The catastrophic twin earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6 2023, caused massive casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure, with the province of Hatay bearing the brunt of the impact. To investigate the potential of nighttime light (NTL) data for earthquake disaster assessment, we performed an analysis of pre- and post-earthquake NPP-VIIRS and SDGSAT-1 NTL data. The NTL change ratio (NCR) was employed to identify the extent of damage in Hatay Province following the earthquake to assess the impact on affected buildings and populations. NPP-VIIRS daily NTL Time-series data was used to establish an economic recovery framework for earthquake disasters in Hatay Province, assessing regional economic recovery after earthquake. The results revealed a strong correlation between the total reduced NTLs of NPP-VIIRS and SDGSAT-1 and the presence of severely and moderately damaged buildings. Conversely, the correlation with slightly damaged buildings was relatively weaker. Furthermore, the reduced NTLs of NPP-VIIRS provide a more precise identification of all earthquake damage compared to the SDGSAT-1 data, achieving an overall accuracy of 86.21% in earthquake damage identification and a Kappa coefficient of 0.72. In accordance with the earthquake economic recovery framework, as of the end of March 2024, neither the provincial economy nor any of its districts have fully restored to their pre-earthquake levels. The findings offered new and valuable insights into earthquake disaster assessment, assisting decision-makers in accurately assessing the level of disaster risk following an earthquake and efficiently allocating post-earthquake relief funds.

background: The Islamic Republic of Iran has been under sanctions since 1979. These sanctions were further reinforced between the years 2005 and 2012. This study utilizes available data from Iran post-sanctions to review the impact of economic sanctions on both the mental health and the quality of life of Iranian citizens.Methods: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted to identify studies examining the impact of sanctions on health in Iran. Searches were initiated in 2012 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Scientific Information Database (Iranian Database) with keywords such as sanctions, implications, mental health, quality of life, civilian mental health, and Iran. Subsequent to the screening process, secondary reports and letters to the editor were excluded. Only original studies—those collecting data via observation, interviews, surveys, experiments, or literature reviews—were retained for analysis. In addition to these search strategies, reference scanning was undertaken to identify additional articles pertinent to the scope of the current study. This thorough approach facilitated the discovery of relevant and significant articles exploring the effects of sanctions against Iran on the mental health and overall well-being of its civilian population. Following the search, duplicate articles were meticulously identified and removed by the authors. Data were subsequently extracted and summarized, focusing on study characteristics and the observed effects of sanctions on civilian mental health and quality of life in Iran.Result: Out of 165 items identified in the preliminary search, ten articles met the inclusion criteria. These selected articles highlighted the pronounced effects of sanctions on various health-related domains.Conclusion: Since 2012, Iran has been subject to intensified sanctions. There is evidence to suggest that the economic sanctions, imposed by Western nations, and have exerted a negative and detrimental impact on the health of individual Iranians.

The high-quality development of urban-rural integration is a vital component of China's economy, serving as a strategic response to the in-depth deployment of new urbanization and rural revitalization strategies. This integration is underscored by the promotion of entrepreneurship in agriculture, rural areas, and among farmers, which acts as a driver for fostering high-quality development in urban-rural areas through market competition. The resulting influx of resources and commodities with similar characteristics plays a crucial role in bridging the urban-rural divide. To maintain objectivity, it is important to adopt a balanced approach and refrain from using biased language. This study delves into the connotation and internal mechanism of the high-quality development of urban-rural integration, centering on the principle of 'quality'. Specifically, it examines the role of entrepreneurship in agriculture, rural areas, and among farmers, and evaluates its direct impact and transmission mechanism. The research employs balanced panel data from 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta region spanning from 2003 to 2021. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship in agriculture, rural areas, and among farmers serves as a catalyst for promoting high-quality urban-rural development through the construction of a virtuous cycle, whereby resource factors and commodity services are exchanged. Moreover, this deep integration yields diverse effects across economic, spatial, demographic, social, and ecological domains, underscoring the necessity of continued support for entrepreneurship in agriculture, rural areas, and among farmers to facilitate a seamless urban-rural economic cycle and fully realize the benefits of high-quality development.

Despite the growing adoption of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in urban transportation systems, standard monitoring methods for evaluating its impact and effectiveness still need to be developed. This study proposes a quantitative state of MaaS analysis based on mobility market indicators and macroeconomic metrics to generate a MaaS Status Index (MSI). The intention is to introduce a standardised quantitative methodology for systematically assessing and comparing the state of MaaS in urban mobility systems. The MSI aims to quantitatively capture the economic, social, technological, and infrastructural conditions relevant to MaaS implementation. The methodology includes four steps: identifying relevant mobility markets, defining mobility market metrics, integrating macroeconomic metrics, and deriving the MSI formula. We apply the MSI methodology to the Austrian mobility market as a case study, demonstrating its practicality in assessing MaaS readiness and highlighting specific challenges and opportunities within the Austrian mobility system. The analysis covers the present (2017-2022) and the projected future (2023-2028). The findings indicate that the proposed MSI is an effective tool for evaluating MaaS implementation readiness.

Results from a behavioral economic laboratory experiment are used to enhance our understanding of public health decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic. The identification of systematic biases from optimal decision theory found in controlled experiments could help inform public policy design for future public health crises. The laboratory and the shelter-in-place decisions made during COVID-19 included elements of risk, uncertainty and ambiguity. The lab findings found individuals adopt different decision rules depending on both personal attributes and on the context and environment in which the decision task is conducted. Key observations to consider in the context of the COVID-19 decision environment include the importance of past experience, the ability to understand and calculate the odds of each action, the size and differences in economic payoffs given the choice, the value of information received, and how past statistical independent outcomes influence future decisions. The academic space encompassing both public health and behavioral economics is small, yet important, particularly in the current crisis. The objective of continued research in this area would be to develop a more representative model of decision-making processes, particularly during crisis, that would serve to enhance future public health policy design.

Gold is a significant revenue source for custom copper smelters facing profitability challenges due to low treatment and refining charges, stricter regulations, and rising costs. Gold is also often blended with copper concentrates, but precise recovery rates from smelting processes are poorly documented despite gold critical economic importance. This paper aims to provide the first comprehensive estimates of gold first-pass recovery across various operational units within the copper sulfide concentrate processing flowsheet. It evaluates the effectiveness of different copper smelting and converting technologies in recovering gold. Optimizing gold first-pass recovery is especially important to enhance immediate financial returns and responsiveness to market dynamics, allowing companies to capitalize on favorable gold prices without delays. Given the absence of direct measurements for gold recovery rates, this research develops an estimation method based on understanding gold loss mechanisms during smelting. The study identifies and analyzes key input and output parameters by examining data from various copper producers. By correlating these parameters with gold loss, the research estimates gold first-pass recovery rates within the copper smelting process. Among integrated smelting-converting routes, the flash smelting to Peirce-Smith converting route achieves the highest gold first-pass recovery (98.8–99.5%), followed by the Mitsubishi continuous smelting and converting process (94.3–99.8%), bottom-blowing smelting to bottom-blowing converting (95.8%), flash smelting to flash converting (95.5%), Teniente smelting to Peirce-Smith converting (95.2%), and the Noranda continuous smelting and converting process (94.8%). The final recovery rates are expected to be higher considering the by-products internal recirculation and post-processing within the copper flowsheet. Additionally, superior gold recoveries are attributed to advanced metallurgical practices and control systems, which vary even among companies with similar technologies. The research demonstrates that copper smelting can effectively recover over 99% of gold from sulfide concentrates. Gold accumulates up to 1000 times its original concentration in anode slime during electrolytic refining, generating 5-10 kilograms of slime per ton of copper, which is further processed to recover gold and other by-products. Major smelters operate precious metal plants where recovering gold from highly concentrated anode slime is both cost-effective and efficient.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD), a common dermatological condition, is often associated with significant economic and social burdens. Despite extensive studies globally, there is a gap in understanding the comprehensive impact of this condition in Romania. Objectives:This study evaluated the economic burden and quality of life impact of AD in Romania, considering both direct and indirect costs. Materials & Methods: A mixed methods cost of illness study was conducted from April to October 2023. A patient survey, expert reviews, and national health data analysis were used to assess direct medical costs (treatments, medical services), direct non-medical costs (transportation, accommodation), and indirect costs (productivity losses). Quality of life was evaluated using the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L instrument. Results: In 2022, the total cost of atopic dermatitis in Romania was 32.983.498 EUR for adults and 31.573.968 EUR for children. Adult costs included 24.534.603 EUR in direct and 8.429.884 EUR in indirect medical costs, with an average annual cost per patient of 447 EUR. Pediatric costs involved 15.026.781 EUR in direct and 16.516.410 EUR in indirect costs, averaging 290 EUR per patient annually. Conclusion: Care expenditure with AD management in Romania is substantially lower than in other countries, posing a significant economic burden, primarily driven by indirect costs. This study provides a foundation for future policy interventions and highlights the need for targeted management strategies for AD.

This research delves into the intricate dynamics underlying the impact of investments on global output, em-ploying the Leontief matrix as a robust analytical framework. Investments wield a profound influence on economies worldwide, with varying effects contingent upon investment types, development levels of coun-tries, and external factors such as trade conflicts and global shocks. The diverse range of investment forms, including physical capital, human capital, R&D, and technological investments, engenders distinct implica-tions for productivity, innovation, and efficiency. Developing and developed economies navigate unique tra-jectories, with investments playing a pivotal role in bridging infrastructure gaps, improving technology, and spurring growth. However, external disruptions, such as trade wars and global shocks, introduce an element of complexity, reshaping investment patterns and altering global output trajectories. This study centers on harnessing the Leontief matrix's prowess to evaluate the interplay of investments and global output, focusing on the Romanian economy. By analyzing input-output tables, encompassing 105 branches aggregated into 10 sectors, the research captures the intricate connections between economic segments. No-tably, the Romanian context reveals the volatility of the matrix coefficients', an outcome of ongoing transi-tional processes, technological advancements, and fluctuating relative prices. In unraveling the intricate threads weaving investments and global output, this study contributes to a nuanced comprehension of these multifaceted interactions. The findings underscore the significance of tailoring investment strategies to specific economic contexts and advocate for robust frameworks, such as the Leontief matrix, to inform pol-icy decisions and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly complex global economy.

Over the last few decades, contemporary museums have undergone a radical change into public places that promote socio-economic sustainability by impeding recreation, commercial, and cultural activities. This shift altered public perception of museums globally and had a profound impact on today's museums, resulting in new prototypes that differed significantly from prior ones. The study tries to answer the following questions: How far have Egyptian museums been evolving over the last decade? To what degree the radical transformation in the museum design can assist in fulfilling Egypt’s SDGs? To answer these questions the study attempts to explore how far Egyptian museums have adapted to this fundamental change by tracing the evolution of Egyptian museum design compared with the findings of the author's previous thesis in 2012 and Egypt’s SDGs The study used qualitative methods which began with a thorough literature review followed by a comparative analysis of the selected case studies. . The findings revealed that the contemporary design of the recent Egyptian museums by including the social and economic activities, significantly support the national and global agenda in term of SDG. The article provides architects, designers, and policy makers with clear design criteria to enhance the social and economic role of museums towards fulfilling SDGs.

Tuna species are an important resource to the people of the Pacific, particularly small island countries like Tonga, that have few alternative natural resources. These countries are dependent on this fishery for their nutrition, recreation, government revenue, employment, welfare and culture. Threatening these benefits, however, are global warming and climate uncertainties that affect the presence and distribution of tuna in the Pacific islands countries and territories. There-fore, one of the most important development goals for Tonga involves managing its tuna fish-eries in order to optimize these benefits within the context of climatic impacts. This paper has two main goals. Firstly, we discuss Tonga’s commitment to implement the existing tuna man-agement policies. This commitment permeates through a range of activities to monitoring catch regulations and regulate locally based foreign vessels to fish in the Economic Exclusive Zone of Tonga. This reflects the implementation of an information-based management framework namely, the Tonga National Tuna Fishery Management and Development Plan that is revised every five years. Secondly, the paper identifies key scientific research programs, which form the basis to design more informed future policies towards tuna management. These researches include : i) examining of the bathymetric features of the island nation’s fishing ground, ii) model-ling the spatio-temporal distribution of tuna and, iii) characterizing tuna habitats within an oceanic environment using biophysical oceanographic data within Geographic Information Sys-tem, and iv) impacts of climate change on tuna

The requirement for integration of power plants due to the cyclical rise in electrical energy consumption is due to fluctuating load demand with the current grid systems. This integration necessitates effective allocating loads to the power plants for a minimum grid-tied transmission line cost while meeting network constraints. In this paper, we formulate an optimisation problem of minimising the total operational cost of all committed plants transmitted to the grid while meeting network constraints and ensuring economic power dispatch (EPD) and energy management system co-optimization. The developed Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method resolve the optimisation problem using piecewise quadratic function to describe the operational cost of the generation units, and the B coefficient approach is employed to estimate the transmission losses. Intelligent adjustments are made to the acceleration coefficients, and a brand-new algorithm is suggested for distributing the initial power values to the generation units. The developed economic power dispatch strategy successfully demonstrated an imperative cost reduction with connected load of 850MW, 1263MW and 2630MW power demand are contrasted with previous PSO application cost values, maximum yearly cost savings of (0.55%, 91.87), (46.55%, 3.78), (73.86%, 89.10) respectively, and significant environmental-benefit. The proposed co-optimisation approach can enhance a significant self-consumption ratio compared to the baseline method.

As a part of the European Green Deal, the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive will apply to over 50,000 companies in Europe, meant to advance the quality of sustainability reporting in the EU, and reduce global emissions and emission distribution inequality. Part of the requirements centre around organisational emission quantification, which will bring much attention to the methodological aspects and resulting decision support capability, which calls for synthesis and argues for clarity. Currently, quantifying the emissions embedded in global transactions mostly focus on direct value-chain attributes, and do not consider unintended consequences beyond the scope of assessment. To achieve genuine reductions, estimated emissions must be considered from a systems perspective to accurately reflect their true impact. While emission inventories serve several purposes, incorrect application limits their potential. The CSRD aligns itself with the GHG Protocol, which does not explicitly facilitate this distinction, although new Land Sector and Removals Guidance draft does, in part. With first CSRD reports expected in 2025, and the GHG protocol entering a revisions period, it presents an opportunity to marry systems thinking with carbon literacy, thereby equipping the expected surge of activity with the sufficient tools for an accelerated transition.

Nations of the world have seen unprecedented changes in climate variables in recent decades. But it is unclear to what extent climate change has impacted and will impact food systems in some developing regions, and how policymakers can frame an approach to encouraging adaptation and advancing climate-smart agriculture. Many studies attempting to link agroecology to climate change adaptation do so without understanding the potential of Agroecology not only to mitigate climate change – which is the weak response – but to reverse its impact and ‘climate proof’ our food systems. By modeling the near and far future impacts of climate change on crop production, we showed how climate will impact crop production under two crop production systems (agroecology and non-agroecology production systems). The overarching aim is to derive sustainable development strategies and lessons for policymakers and climate researchers - essential components of environment and Agricultural development. Using case studies from Nigeria, we observed that transitioning to agroecology, even at the farm level also transforms farm designs, thereby affecting their overall food and nutrition status. The result showed that the use of agroecology management practices not only reduces the impact of climate change in the near future but will also lead to increased crop yield in the future. The finding suggests that to feed the over 400 million projected population of Nigeria by 2050, the use of agroecological practices will be a better alternative to the conventional farming methods. To advance the use of agroecological farming methods, governments at every level in Nigeria need to mainstream organic agriculture in national government policies. This is important as it will not only address climate change impacts but also hunger and poverty.

Following the development and dissemination of new climate-smart agricultural technologies to farmers globally, there has been an increase in the number of socio-economic studies on the adoption of climate-smart integrated pests’ management (CS-IPM) technologies over the years. In this study, we review empirical evidence on adoption determinants of CS-IPM technologies and identify possible science-policy interfaces. Generally, our review shows that socioeconomic and institutional factors are influential in shaping CS-IPM adoption decisions of farmers. More specifically, income was found to positively influence the adoption of CS-IPM technologies while land size owned influences CS-IPM adoption negatively. Registered land tenure (registered secure rights) positively influences CS-IPM technologies’ adoption, implying that efficient land markets that enable competitive and fair distribution and access to land, more so by the vulnerable but efficient smallholder producers do indeed increase the adoption of CS-IPMs technologies. Social capital, achieved via farmers’ organizations is also central in fostering CS-IPM technologies’ adoption, just as markets reforms that minimize market failures regarding access to credit, labor, and agricultural information, which could indirectly hinder farmers’ use of CS-IPM practices. Functional extension systems that improve farmers’ awareness of CS-IPM do also improve CS-IPM technologies’ adoption. However, the adoption of CS-IPM technologies in Ghana and Benin is slow-paced because of factors like lack of access to farm inputs that facilitate uptake of these technologies, lack of credit facilities, and limited extension services among others. Interestingly, our review confirms that CS-IPM technologies do indeed reduce and minimize the intensity of pesticide usage and foster ecosystem (environmental and human) health. Therefore, this review unearths strategic determinants of CS-IPM adoption and makes fundamental guidance around climate-smart innovations transfer and environmental policies that should be prioritized to curb environmental pollution and ensure agricultural ecosystems’ sustainability.

Tomatoes, one of the most appreciated vegetables consumed, are crops well adapted for cultivation in arid and semi-arid conditions, the success of large yields is guaranteed by covering water consumption through irrigation. Solar Pumps - SP are driven by Photovoltaic Panels - PV (SPAPV), eliminating the dependence on electricity or diesel; they are environmentally friendly because they generate carbon-free electricity and the cost of operation and maintenance is lower. In order to preserve the water administered by drip to the tomato crop grown in solariums, mulching is used. In Husasău de Tinca, in the Crișurilor Plain, cultivation of tomato varieties without mulching (WM) and with mulching with black foil (MBF) were studied. To answer the question "How effective are water conservation measures in terms of energy independence?", two variants of SPAPVs, direct pumping (ADP) and storage tank (AST) were simulated. Considering the conditions in the solariums, tomato crops do not benefit from the contribution of precipitation, therefore it is proposed to determine the water consumption of tomatoes (ETRo), using the temperatures inside the solarium. In 2016, the average temperatures during the vegetation period were observed with an insurance of over 20 %, the irrigation norms were 6945.7 m3 ha-1, for the WM variant and 6594.0 m3 ha-1 for the MBF variant, respectively. Specific Investment (SI) is 214,795 Euro ha-1 in case of ADP and respectively 202,990 Euro ha-1 in case of ATS. The payback period (IPT) is between 2.68 years and 2.53 years for the ADP variant and between 1.63 years and 1.54 years for the ATS variant, respectively. The indications for water use and irrigation water use show that in the MBF variant the water administered by localized irrigation is better utilized than in the WM variant. In the conditions of Crișurilor Plain, the best solution for the distribution of water in solariums, with the help of SPAPVs is the mulching system of tomatoes grown in solariums (MBF) and the arrangement of the drip irrigation system with a water storage tank (ATS).

The article presents the methodology for classifying economic regions with regards to selected factors that characterize a region, such as: the economic structure of the region, and thus the share of individual sectors in the economy; employment; the dynamics of the development of individual sectors expressed as an increase or decrease in production value; the population density in the region and also the level of occupational safety. Cluster analysis, which is a method of multidimensional statistical analysis available in Statistica software, was used to solve the task. The proposed methodology was used to group Polish voivodships with regards to the speed of economic development and occupational safety in the construction industry. Data published by the Central Statistical Office was used for this purpose, such as the value of construction and assembly production, the number of people employed in the construction industry, the population of an individual region and the number of people injured in occupational accidents.

All-polyamide composite coated fabric (APCCF) materials were developed and used as the material of construction of textile bioreactors as a replacement of traditional costly steel-/concreate-based bioreactors. Then, APCCF-bioreactor was used to cultivate filamentous fungus Neurospora intermedia to produce ethanol and fungal biomass. The results showed similar performance of the fungus cultivated in stain-less steel bioreactors. Techno-economical analysis for a 5000-m³ APCCF bioreactor for fermentation facility would lead to a reduction of the annual production cost of the facility by $128,000,000 compared to similar stainless-steel processes. The comparative analyses (including mechanical and morphological analyses, density measurements and techno-economical analysis) revealed that the APCCF is a better candidate for material of construction of the textile bioreactor. The APCCF is a 100% recyclable single polymer composite which was prepared from textile production line waste.

The adoption of environmental conservation agriculture (ECA) in Nepal is aligned with the country's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, as ECA practices have been proven to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nepal's agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including labor shortages, climate change impacts, and the necessity for environmentally friendly farming methods, making the adoption of ECA practices even more crucial. This paper thus explored farmer perspectives on the sustainability of ECA practices in Namobuddha municipality, Nepal, which is renowned as a leading hub of organic farming. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, together with key informant interviews and onsite observations. By analyzing various farmer perspectives, the study presents an analytical framework that highlights the economic, environmental, and social pillars of ECA's sustainability. The findings underscore the significance of economic viability for farmers, as damages to crops and farm products negatively drive their perception of ECA sustainability. Conversely, factors such as increased agriculture-related income, favorable prices, and sustainable productivity positively shape farmers' perceptions. In terms of environmental sustainability, farmers prioritize enhancing the local and global environment, viewing their farming methods as climate-smart and actively working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study emphasizes the importance of strategic communication to effectively convey the benefits of ECA to rural communities. Overall, this research contributes to filling the knowledge gap concerning farmers' perceptions of ECA sustainability. The insights gained from this study have the potential to inform policy decisions and promote the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices in Nepal.

Market turbulence with fiscal investment influences has altered IT infrastructure performance as business pursue extravagant new technology adoption. Yet, few studies have examined how shareware solution goes beyond Medium Size Enterprise that pushes efficiency and sustainability. This PLS-SEM integrated with dual primary compilation approach lessens shallow perceptions coupled with outlooks that streamline each phenomenal activity that is worthy of the necessity for competitive innovation. This unified model was applied to sampling respondents and analyzed using an ordinal regression relationship that generates a robust association that triggers the hypothesis acceptance. The adopting of BOINC shareware mesh network towards unified processing designs that were employed to build the yield by promising financial possibility using coordinated interworks hence improved group accomplishment and establishing greater esteem. This paper showcases a flexible inner IT infrastructure alongside the economic uncertainty with the framework advancement for Exostructure as a Service. Associated theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

This is a study of Political Economy on religion and migration management in the United States of America (USA). This paper offers a review of migrants-citizens relations in the USA, with attention to the pendulum effect, moving from integration policies (open doors and melting pot agenda) to official persecution (raids and deportations), with a high social opportunity cost. There has been a split between the State and civil society, causing civil disobedience and sanctuary network across the country. Also, it is paid attention to the American post-modern paradox, as a result of culture wars and identity politics that imply a violation of American constitutional principles (i.e. religious liberty, freedom of movement, to pursuit the happiness). Special attention is paid to the development of the Sanctuary Movement, as an ongoing example of the sociocultural upheaval bringing grassroots society into confrontation with powerful elites by promoting resistance and offering help to the needy, even if this results in sanctions. This movement was revitalized after the values crisis of 2008, but it has also been polarized between those who follow the traditional approach to socio-religious action in the form of peaceful civil disobedience, and those who follow the ideological anti-system and communitarian approach, which causes greater tension for the immigrants themselves

Modern day construction is widely influenced using concrete-steel composite columns. A lot of research on concrete-steel composite columns is being carried out around the world. The rapid growth in concrete-steel composite construction has widely decreased the use of conventional reinforced cement concrete construction (R.C.C), and the steel construction practices. The concrete-steel composite construction has obtained an extensive receiving around the globe. As Pakistan is a developing country, so, it is relatively a new concept for its construction industry when compared with the developed countries around the globe. Although, the R.C.C construction is suitable and economical for construction of framing systems of low-rise buildings, however, the increased dead load, span restrictions, less stiffness and risky formwork makes it uneconomical and unviable when it comes across the construction of intermediate to high-rise buildings. This research is an effort to learn the cost effectiveness, increased or decreased stiffness, and change on the functionality of the composite construction for intermediate to high-rise buildings constructed in Pakistan. A Base + Ground + 11 storey commercial building is selected for this study. A comparison is made between conventional R.C.C columns structure and concrete-encased composite columns structure. The equivalent static nonlinear analysis is performed using ETABS 2017 software. Although, for Base + Ground + 11 storey building, the construction cost of concrete-encased composite structure is 7.7% more than the conventional R.C.C columns structure, but the concrete-encased composite structure will have 13.013% more constructed floor area. This increased floor area helps to settle the cost difference between the two structures.

The World Health Organization estimates that every year air pollution kills seven million people worldwide. As it is expected that climate change will affect future air quality patterns, the full understanding of the links between air pollution and climate change, and how they affect human health, are challenges of future research. In this scope, a methodology to assess the air quality impacts on health was developed. The WRF-CAMx modelling framework was applied for the medium-term future climate (considering the SSP24.5 scenario) and for the recent past (considered as baseline). Following the WHO recommendations, mortality health indicators were used to estimate health impacts of long-term exposures. For that, the Aveiro Region, in Portugal, was considered as a case study. Future climate results indicate the occurrence of higher temperatures, and lower total precipitation. Despite that, improvements in the main pollutants’ concentrations, and consequently in the reduction of the related premature deaths are foreseen, mainly due to the reduction of pollutants emissions imposed by the European legislation for the upcoming years. The applied approach constitutes an added value in this research field, being crucial to anticipate the effects of climate change on air quality and evaluate their impacts on human health.

This paper aims to provoke fundamental thinking and action around the value and importance of socially-equitable development to the economic advancement, resilience, and prosperity of communities, as we contend with the 21^st Century grand challenge of the changing climate and disasters. As local communities and the global community have experienced an increased frequency, intensity and duration of natural and man-made disasters over the past several decades, opportunities have also grown to identify and reap the benefits of socially-equitable economic development. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, we discuss the critical importance of socially-equitable economic development to the resilience and sustainability of communities and the infrastructure that supports them. To this end, we: (1) examine what constitutes socially-equitable economic development at different spatial scales of community; (2) explore whether socially-equitable development can occur at different scales of community; (3) explicate the importance of formally considering the inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes for socially-equitable development; (4) explain why the pursuit of equal distribution of the benefits and burdens of development is a necessary but not sufficient endeavor for socially-equitable economic development; (5) analyze the relationships between socially-equitable development, and resilient and sustainable infrastructure and communities; (6) explain why socially-equitable development should be a key component of infrastructure and community resilience strategies in the 21^st Century; and, (7) explain why socially-equitable development can ultimately be viewed as a long-term strategy for prosperity.

This study seeks to determine how economic policy uncertainty (EPU) influences investment decisions and the market value of the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The study examines investment and operational data from 249 energy and petroleum companies between 2015 and 2020, in addition to macroeconomic variables such as EPU. This study investigates the moderating effects of EPU on investments in fixed and intangible assets, as well as its effect on Tobin's Q and the market price per share. The outcomes demonstrate that EPU reduces the costs of both tangible and intangible assets for businesses. In addition, companies with a greater Tobin's Q and market price per share are more impacted by uncertain corporate investment policies. However, financial leverage is found to be negatively correlated with share price and positively correlated with earnings per share and earnings per unit. Tobin's Q is positively correlated with financial leverage, indicating that firms that raise capital through debt are more likely to create value for investors. The research indicates that market-dependent enterprises are more susceptible to the unpredictability of monetary policy. Eventually, the findings suggest that consistent and transparent economic policies may increase the efficiency of corporate investment.

Interdisciplinary research consists of many levels and pathways. One research level that has emerged since the early 21st century is called integration science. Specifically, we focus on a research pathway that structurally integrates social sciences with theoretical physics from perspectives of dynamic analysis. Building on nearly 20 years of prior work, this paper proposes a basic theory of integration science, laying the theoretical foundation for its subsequent development. The significance of integration science operates on three levels. First, identifying structural connections between different disciplines helps in our holistic understanding of natural and social phenomena. Second, generally speaking, the current level of conceptualization and modeling in natural sciences, especially physics, is ahead of social sciences. Integration science research can help elevate the level of conceptualization and modeling in social sciences. Third, the structural similarity across different disciplines reflects the shared thinking of scientists from various fields. Integration science is not simply a synthesis of knowledge from different disciplines. The standard of integration science is to enable social sciences and natural sciences to share the same mathematical structures, thereby possessing a unified mathematical language for description. The empirical basis of integration science is discussed, proposing a unified theory of interdisciplinary scientific observation. This includes concepts like the directionality of scientific observation and the orthogonal principle, the concept of observational disturbance and the diagonal law, defining low and high disturbance quadrants, and discussing why different disturbance quadrants follow their respective mathematical paths. The basic theory of integration science is proposed. The application of category theory in integration science is introduced, along with the necessary semantic supplements. The fundamental concepts of integration mathematics are proposed, defining concepts like integration points, lines, plans, and bulks, and discussing their algebraic and functional analysis methods, thereby laying the mathematical foundation for the integration science. The structural force hypothesis is proposed, along with an axiomatic system of structural forces, thereby laying the philosophical foundation for integrative science. Based on prior work, specific cases of integrative points, lines, plans, and bulks are provided.

Sulfated denitrification process has attracted more and more attention because it does not depend. on the addition of organic matter. Nowadays, the tailwater from urban wastewater treatment plant has high nitrogen concentration. In this case, we propose a sodium thiosulphate siderite autotrophic denitrifying (STSAD) biofilter for the removal of nitrogen from the tailwater of the urban wastewater treatment plant. Under the optimal conditions, the NO3--N removal rate was 100%, TN removal rate was above 95%. Many microorganisms were enriched on the surface of the ceramsite and siderite filler in the reactor, and the main denitrification microorganisms in the filter were Thiobacillus and Ferritrophicum. The process has certain technical and economic feasibility for denitrification in the tailwater of urban wastewater treatment plant, the cost is only 0.042 CNY/t(water), and the effluent TN and COD meet the requirements of water quality standards, so it is a suitable method.

Sub-national governments (SNGs) in developing countries have increasingly explored green municipal bonds as a financing tool, driven by promises of lower borrowing costs, enhanced reputation, and support for sustainable economic development. This study aims to critically examine these claims by analysing the actual costs and complexities associated with green municipal bonds (GMBs). The research involves a comparative analysis of traditional municipal bonds and GMBs, focusing on the financial and operational challenges faced by SNGs. Detailed case studies from Mexico City and Cape Town are used to illustrate the practical implications of issuing GMBs. The findings reveal that, despite similar or slightly lower interest rates, GMBs often entail higher issuance costs due to the need for certification, monitoring, and reporting of green projects. These additional costs, coupled with the necessity of hiring external consultants, make GMBs more expensive and difficult to replicate after initial transactions. Furthermore, the study highlights that the demand from investors has not met initial expectations. While green-aligned investors show a higher appetite for GMBs, they constitute only a small portion of the finance market. Traditional investors, primarily focused on financial returns, are less inclined to invest in GMBs solely based on their green label. Consequently, many SNGs have reverted to issuing traditional “vanilla” municipal bonds while still using the proceeds to fund green initiatives. This shift underscores the need for a realistic assessment of GMBs’ viability in developing countries and calls for a re-evaluation of strategies for promoting sustainable economic development through green finance.

Supplier diversity initiatives in procurement have emerged as strategic imperatives for organizations aiming to enhance competitiveness and foster socio-economic equity. This research investigates the impact of supplier diversity initiatives across various industries, analyzing implementation strategies, challenges, and outcomes through a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data, including interviews with procurement professionals and case studies of exemplary organizations, reveal diverse approaches to implementing supplier diversity—from formalized programs with dedicated resources to ad hoc initiatives driven by regulatory compliance or social responsibility goals. Challenges identified include the identification and qualification of diverse suppliers, scalability issues, and internal resistance within procurement teams. Quantitative analysis of survey data highlights positive impacts on organizational performance metrics, such as procurement spend allocation towards diverse suppliers, supplier-driven innovation, and enhanced supply chain resilience. Best practices in successful supplier diversity programs underscore strategic alignment with overall procurement strategies, effective supplier relationship management, and strong leadership commitment. Socio-economic impacts encompass economic inclusion, community engagement, and skills development among diverse supplier networks, contributing to local economic growth and broader social benefits. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in measuring qualitative outcomes and overcoming systemic barriers to implementation. Cultivating an inclusive organizational culture and leveraging leadership support are crucial for sustaining supplier diversity efforts. Continued collaboration and innovation in supplier diversity practices are recommended to maximize benefits and drive meaningful socio-economic impact globally.

The development of a Digital Track Model (DTM) within Kazakhstan's railway system presents an innovative approach to enhancing efficiency and safety across the network. This paper investigates the economic viability of DTM implementation, offering a comprehensive mathematical model that highlights potential reductions in maintenance costs and improvements in system accuracy and durability. The findings advocate for DTM's potential to significantly elevate railway operations, suggesting a pivotal step towards modernizing Kazakhstan's transit infrastructure.

In response to new developments of work and employment in high-income countries (HICs), psychosocial aspects of work and health received increased attention. In contrast, middle-income countries (MICs) are mainly concerned with severe challenges of noxious and dangerous material work environments, poor employment conditions, and deficient social policies, leaving psychosocial aspects in a marginal role at best. More recently, differences between these two worlds were even aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, with economic globalisation and growing worldwide interconnectivity, the world of work in MICs is being rapidly transformed, sharing several concerns with modern Western societies. In this process, psychosocial occupational health will become an increasingly pressing issue. This contribution explores to what extent psychosocial aspects of work and health are already addressed in research originating from MICs. A selective focus on recent findings from two regions, Asia Pacific and Latin America, reveals a high degree of awareness of, and inquiry into, work-stress related problems within these countries. Importantly, in addition to incorporating research progress from HICs, these analyses identify new aspects within specific cultural and socio-economic environments, thus enriching the international state of art.

Leishmaniasis is one of the Neglected tropical diseases. Studies show that the poor knowledge about epidemiological aspects of Leishmaniasis within communities causes the collapse of existing disease control programs. Therefore, the present study focuses on a detailed survey of the existing awareness among the threatened population in the Medawachchiya PHI Area in the Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka aiming to assist the health staff to organize community-based vector control programs effectively in the future. Assessment of the awareness of the two hundred and seventy households (n=270) residents from ten GNDs was carried out by using a structured questionnaire. Among 143 females and 134 males, only 75.1% have knowledge about the disease. 5.8%(n=16) of the participants know only about the vector and 28.9% (n=80) know their control methods. The study shows a shortage of a considerable amount of awareness about the disease among the studied population The study found that age and education levels had significant impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. However, factors like gender, marital status, occupation, income, and expenses did not show significant correlations. The present study suggests the huge scope for community-related vector control methods for greater achievements in vector control methods by implementing a continuous educational program.

Non-woody forest products play a vital role in the economic uplifts of the local communities living in forest areas. This study was conducted in the Shishikoh Valley, district Chital to identify the economic importance of the Chilghoza nuts. The study was based on interviews and questionnaires, and a total of 50 questionnaires were collected from the whole valley. The results showed that before 2003, the people were unaware of the high economic value of the Chilghoza nuts, they used to sell the Chilghoza nuts at a very low price (US$ 1.7 to 2.4 per bag: approximately 5 Kg) and harvest it for fuelwood purposes. After the IPRP interventions, training and awareness, the local people started conservation of Chilghoza trees and sustainable cone harvesting. The total collection and sell out of Chilghoza nuts in the Shishikoh valley jumped to 87.9 tons and US$ 7.64/kg in 2005 from 32.7 tons and US$ 0.34-0.48/kg, respectively. This study concludes that IPRP interventions improved the economic values of Chilghoza nuts as well as the living standards of the local people.

Until now, the literature on Chinese International Online Shopping (CIOS) (B2C export from China) mainly concentrated on the potential income that it constitutes for Chinese international trade. However, regarding International Online Consumers' (IOCs) purchase behaviors, research does not provide insight into the impact of Countries' Level of Economic Development (CLED) on the IOCs' preferences and choices about Chinese brands. Based on 9971 purchases about Chinese mobile phone brands, countries' macroeconomic data, and a multinomial logistics model (MLM), we examined IOCs' preferences and choices about Chinese brands. The result shows that the CLED influences IOCs' preferences and choices. Consequently, accounting of CLED in consumers’ preferences and choices introduces a new dimension in understanding IOCs' behaviors and attitudes towards Chinese mobile phone brands. This work contributes to Chinese brands' globalization research from the perspective of CLED. Such a model can be used to guide e-retailers and brand managers.

Open Inertia Modelling (OpInMod) is a modelling framework designed to create unit commitment and economic inertia dispatch optimisation problems. Present energy system modelling generators do not consider power system inertia in unit commitment and economic dispatch modelling to assess future energy system pathways. However, maintaining sufficient power system inertia in power systems is the foundation for power frequency controllability. The work at hand describes the functionality and approaches of open source tool OpInMod. The softwares universal design approach increases reuse potential. OpInMod is distributed with a set of examples to test and understand OpInMod

The role of agricultural transport costs in core-periphery structures has habitually been ignored in New Economic Geography (NEG) models. This is due to the convention of treating the agricultural good as the numéraire, thus implying that agricultural transportation costs are assumed to be zero in these models. For more than three decades, this has been the standard setting in spatial equilibrium analysis. The paper examines the effects of agricultural transport costs on the spatial organisation of regional structures in Peru. In doing so, the Krugman’s formulation of iceberg transport costs is modified to introduce the agricultural transport costs into the dynamic of the NEG models. We use exploratory spatial flow data analysis methods and non-spatial and spatial origin-destination flow models to explore how the regional spatial structure change when real transportation data for agricultural goods is included into the iceberg transport costs formulation. We show that agricultural transport costs generate flows that are systematically associated with flows to or from nearby regions generating thus the emergence of spatial spillovers across Peruvian regions. The results of the paper support the contention that NEG models have overshadowed the role of agricultural transport costs in determining the spatial configuration of economic activities.

The aim of the paper is to identify the most likely factors that determine the demand for Renewa-ble Energy Consumption (R.E.C.) in European countries. Although in Europe a high environmen-tal awareness is omnipresent, countries differ in scope and share of R.E.C. due to historical ener-getic policies and dependencies, investments into renewable and traditional energetic sectors, R&D development, structural changes required by energetic policy change, and many other fac-tors. The study refers to a set of macroeconomic, institutional, and social factors affecting energetic renewable policy and R.E.C. in selected European countries in two points of time: i.e., before and after the Paris Agreement. The Bayesian Average Classical Estimates (BACE) is applied to indicate the most likely factors affecting R.E.C. in 2015 and 2018. The comparison of the results reveals that the G.D.P. level, nuclear and hydro energy consumption were the determinants significant in both analyzed years. Furthermore, it became clear that in 2015 the R.E.C. depended strongly on the energy consumption structure, while in 2018, the foreign direct investment and trade openness played their role in increasing renewable energy consumption. The direction of changes is positive and complies with sustainable development goals (S.D.G.s).

In the last decades farm animals kept in confined and mechanically ventilated livestock buildings are increasingly confronted with heat stress (HS) due to global warming. These adverse conditions cause a depression of animal health and welfare and a reduction of the performance up to an increase of the mortality. To facilitate sound management decisions, livestock farmers need relevant arguments, which quantify the expected economic risk and the corresponding uncertainty. The economic risk was determined for the pig fattening sector based on the probability of HS and the calculated decrease in the gross margin. The model calculation for confined livestock buildings showed, that HS indices calculated by easily available meteorological parameters can be used for assessment quantification of indoor HS, which is so far difficult to determine. These weather-related HS indices can be applied not only for an economic risk assessment but also for a weather-index based insurance for livestock farms. Based on the temporal trend between 1981 and 2017, a simple model was derived to assess the likelihood of HS for 2020 and 2030. Due to global warming, the return period for a 90-percentile HS index is reduced from 10 years in 2020 to 3-4 years in 2030. The economic impact of HS on livestock farms was calculated by the relationship between an HS index based on the temperature-humidity index (THI) and the reduction of the gross margin. From the likelihood of the HS and this economic impact function, the probability of the economic risk could be determined. The reduction of the gross margin for a 10 year return period was determined for 1980 with 0.27 € per year and animal place and increased by the 20-fold to 5.13 € per year and animal place in 2030.

In this paper we develop a “general equilibrium” (GE) model for the allocation of exhaustible natural resources to examine the impact of different extraction scenarios on intergenerational economic welfare. We apply a stylized GE model to Israel's natural gas (NG) market to evaluate economic indicators resulting from NG-extraction scenarios: a baseline scenario based on current policy in the NG sector, a conservative scenario based on a lower extraction rate, and an intensive scenario based on faster extraction. We also examine the impact of various resource income-allocation strategies on intergenerational economic welfare through the mechanism of a “sovereign wealth fund” (SWF). The results indicate that a higher NG-extraction rate combined with an appropriate investment strategy for NG profits is preferable from an economic perspective to a conservative rate. Investment of the government take from the NG market in research and development (R&D) of renewable electricity productivity can sustainably increase economic welfare.

In the context of the economic and political uncertainty associated with the 2019-nCoV pandemic, it is necessary to determine the socio-psychological factors involved in the transformation of the behavior of insurance consumers under the influence of a biogenic threat. This study measures financial anxiety and its impact on the insurance behavior of Russian citizens. The correlation, comparative, and regression analyses of the financial anxiety of Russian citizens cover three stages of observation: before the start of the 2019 nCoV pandemic (“FA up to 19 nCoV; N = 766), during the period of quarantine measures announced in Russia in March 2020 (“FA 19-nCoV-1”; N = 856), and after the relaxation of quarantine measures at the end of April 2020 (“FA 19-nCoV-2”; N = 963).Psychological analysis data were obtained from the online survey “Financial anxiety (in the context of insurance)”. The questionnaire is psychometrically reliable and easy to use. It includes five measurement scales: MR1—Physical manifestations of financial incentive anxiety, MR2—With money shortages and financial uncertainty, MR3—The value of insurance coverage, MP4—Financial Confidence, and MR5—Perception of insurance and investment risks. It was found that Russian citizens consider it important to have insurance coverage for a “rainy day”, and they showed confidence in the insurance market during the biogenic crisis. However, unfortunately, during the 19-nCoV-1 and 19-nCoV-2 periods, Russian citizens did not feel financially secure, unlike in the period before 19-nCoV. Women showed high scores for physical manifestations of financial anxiety and low financial confidence in the future, in contrast to men, regardless of the observation period.

In the context of economic and political uncertainty associated with the 2019-nCoV pandemic, it is necessary to determine the socio-psychological factors in the transformation of the behavior of insurance consumers under the influence of the biogenic threat. This study is devoted to measuring financial anxiety and its impact on the insurance behavior of Russian citizens. Correlation, comparative and regression analyzes of financial anxiety of Russian citizens cover three stages of observation: before the start of the 2019 nCoV pandemic (“FA up to 19 nCoV; N = 766), during the period of quarantine measures announced in Russia in March 2020 (“ FA 19- nCoV-1 "; N = 856) and after the relaxation of quarantine measures at the end of April 2020 (" FA 19-nCoV-2 "; N = 963). Psychological analysis data were obtained from the online survey "Financial anxiety (in the context of insurance)". The questionnaire is psychometrically reliable and easy to use, including 5 measurement scales: MR1. Physical manifestations of financial incentive anxiety, MR2. With money shortages and financial uncertainty, MR3. The value of insurance coverage, MP4. Financial Confidence, MR5. Perception of insurance and investment risks. Russian citizens considered it important to have insurance coverage on a “rainy day” and showed confidence in the insurance market during the biogenic crisis. But, unfortunately, Russian citizens during the 19-nCoV-1 and 19-nCoV-2 periods did not feel financially secure in the future, unlike the period before 19-nCoV. ”Women showed high scores for physical manifestations of financial anxiety and low financial confidence in the future, in contrast to men, regardless of the observation period.

The failure to acknowledge and account for environmental externalities or spillovers in climate change adaptation policy, advocacy and programming spaces exercabates the risk of ecological degradation, more so, degradation of land. In particular use of unsuitable water sources for irrigation may increase salinisation risks. However, little if any policy assessments and research effort has been directed at investigating how farmer perceptions mediate spillovers from the ubiquitous irrigation adaptation strategy. In this study cognitive failure and/or bias construct is examined and proposed as an analytical lens in research, policy and learning and the convergence of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation discourses. The findings from small-scale farmers, Machakos and Kakamega counties, Kenya, suggest multifaceted biases and failures about the existence and importance of externalities in adaptation planning discourses. Among other dimensions, cognitive failure which encompasses fragmented approaches among institutions for use and management of resources, inadequate policy and information support, as well as, poor integration of actors in adaptation planning accounts for adaptation failure. The failures in such Human-Environment system interactions have the potential to exercabate existing vulnerability of farmer production systems in the long run. The findings further suggest that in absence of risk message information dissemination, education level, farming experience and information accumulation, as integral elements to human capital, do not seem to have significant effect on behaviour about mitigation of environmental spillovers. Implicitly, reversing the inherent adaptation failures calls for system approaches that enhance coordinated adaptation planning, prioritises proactive mitigation of slow onset disaster risks and broadens decision support systems, such as, risk information dissemination integration into the existing adaptation policy discourses and practice.

We present an updated design process for adapting and integrating existing cyber risk assessment approaches for impact assessment for the risk from IoT to the digital economy. The new design process includes a set of changes to the original standards (e.g. NIST) that are adapted for the IoT cyber risk in this paper. This paper also presents a new framework for impact assessment of IoT cyber risk, specific for the digital economy.

In this paper, an improved system to efficiently utilize the low-temperature waste heat (WHUS) from the flue gas of coal-fired power plants is proposed based on heat cascade. The essence of the proposed system is that the waste heat of exhausted flue gas is not only used to preheat air for assisting coal combustion as usual but also to heat up feedwater and the low-pressure steam extraction. Preheated by both the exhaust flue gas in the boiler island and the low-pressure steam extraction in the turbine island, thereby part of the flue gas heat in the air preheater can be saved and introduced to heat the feedwater and the high-temperature condensed water. Consequently, part of the high-pressure steam is saved for further expansion in the steam turbine, which obtains additional net power output. Based on the design data of a typical 1000 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant in China, in-depth analysis of the energy-saving characteristics of the optimized WHUS and the conventional WHUS is conducted. When the optimized WHUS is adopted in a typical 1000 MW unit, net power output increases by 19.51 MW, exergy efficiency improves to 45.46%, and net annual revenue reaches 4.741 million USD. In terms of the conventional WHUS, these aforementioned performance parameters are only 5.83 MW, 44.80% and 1.244 million USD, respectively. The research of this paper can provide a feasible energy-saving option for coal-fired power plants.

The field of water management is continually changing. Water has been subject to external shocks in the form of climate change and globalization. Analysis of water management is subject to disciplinary developments and inter-disciplinary interactions. Are these developments well documented in the literature? Initial observations on interdisciplinary literature suggest that results are fragmented, implying that a state-of-the-art review is needed. The objective of this paper is to close this gap by reviewing recent developments in water economics that address the increasing perceptions of water scarcity by looking first at changes in supply and quality of water, and then at impacts of climate change on water extremes. Among responses to such challenges, the paper identifies changes to water use patterns by including and co-managing water from different sources—surface and groundwater, wastewater, and desalinated water. Technological advancements also are among the resources that address water challenges. Water challenges reflect also on management of internationally shared water. A recent surge in scientific work identified international treaties as playing a significant role in water management. The paper reviews recently employed economic tools, such as experimental economics, game theory, institutional economics, and valuation methods. And finally, it explores modeling approaches, including hydro-economic and computable general equilibrium models that are being used to deal with water challenges.

Abstract: The establishment of a circular economy in the mining sector, taking advantage of innovations in the exploration and development of hydrocarbon reserves, [ ], their [ ], transportation [ ] and subsequent processing [ ] are significant concerns. The issues surrounding the employment of technology targeted at enhancing environmental safety to increase the productivity of the reproduction process of the natural gas and oil resource base are equally important. The paper discusses the use of green seismic technology of survey to determine the oil and gas potential of the subsoil. A methodological toolkit is proposed for carrying out technical and economic calculations to determine indicators of the environmental and economic efficiency of using innovative resource-saving technology for geological survey in areas densely planted with forests. The purpose of the work is to establish the viability of employing resource-saving technology known as Green Seismic to search for promising hydrocarbon objects in forested areas and determine the expected environmental and economic benefits of geological exploration using the suggested enhanced methodology for their evaluation. The tasks set to achieve the goal were solved using methods of geological and economic assessment of the hydrocarbon raw material potential of territories and water areas, environmental assessment of the negative influence of anthropogenic environmental impact on the natural environment, economic and statistical methods of performing technical and economic calculations to determine performance indicators for the implementation of innovative projects in the field of geological exploration. The novelty of the results obtained lies in the proposed improved algorithm for conducting an environmental and economic assessment of geological exploration for hydrocarbon raw materials, a conceptual description of the Green Seismic technology, systematization of technical, economic, and environmental risks, justification of new regional directions for geological exploration using resource-saving seismic exploration technology.

In many developing countries, plastic waste management is left to citizens. This usually results in hazardous landfilling or open-air burning, leading to emissions that are harmful to human health and the environment. An easy, profitable, and clean method of processing and transforming the waste into value is required. In this context, this study provides an open-source methodology to transform low-density polyethylene drinking water sachets, into pavement blocks by using a streamlined do-it-yourself approach that requires only modest capital. Two different materials, sand, and ashes are evaluated as additives in plastic composites and the mechanical strength of the resulting blocks are tested for different proportion mix of plastic, sand, and ash. The best composite had an elastic modulus of 169MPa, a compressive strength of 29MPa, and a water absorptivity of 2.2%. The composite pavers can be sold at 100% profit while employing workers at 1.5X the minimum wage. In the West African region, this technology has the potential to produce 19 million pavement tiles from 28,000 tons of plastic water sachets annually in Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia. This can contribute to waste management in the region while generating a gross revenue of 2.85 billion XOF (4.33 million USD).

As a result of decades of austerity, the economies of the Eurozone are experiencing under-investment and crumbling infrastructures in an era of extremely severe emergencies as the cli-mate change and aggressive global competition. The private savings glut of the rich and the strict fiscal rules suggest a crowding-in approach in partnership with big finance in a new age of in-fra-structures. If governments mint public infrastructures into investable assets, they can gen-erate steady returns for investors and asset managers who look after pensions and insurances schemes and unlock trillions now devoted to welfare state. For the big finance to accept to be partner, however, governments must take the task of de-risking returns. Innovation technology and macro-financial literacy can synergically act to enhance this new de-risking role to address in a financially sustainable way the intense phenomena of Natural Hazards (NHs) that can severely compromise economic growth. This is precisely the aim of our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) among the Department of Economics, Management and Institutions of the University of Naples and a Knowledge Transfert Management, the Department of Engineering and the Aca-demic Spin-Off “STRAIN”, of the University of Campania. Our PPP has been contributing to the eval-uation and mitigation of NHs such as floods, landslides and earthquakes since 2012. The ex-tremely advanced results of this multi-stakeholder partnership ensure a better knowledge of NHs which, as evidenced in the paper, is the fundamental input for the desired Public-Private In-surance Programmes (PIPPs).

Many tasks in a modern household are done by machines like e.g. a dishwasher or a vacuum cleaner and in the near future most household tasks can be done by smart service robots. This relieves the residents who in turn can enjoy their free time. This newly gained free time turns out to cause the so called spare time rebound effect due to more resource consumption [1,2]. We roughly quantify this rebound effect and propose a CO2 -budget model to reduce or even avoid it. In modern industry, automation and AI take over work from humans, leading to higher productivity of the company as a whole. This is the main reason for economic growth which leads to environmental problems due to higher consumption of natural resources. We show that, even though the effects of automation at home and in the industry are different (free time versus higher productivity) in the end they both lead to more resource consumption and environmental pollution. We discuss possible solutions to this problem such as carbon taxes, emissions trading systems and a carbon budget.

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of perceived stress on depression and subsequently to examine the effects of depression on alcohol use disorders. The data were obtained by an electronic questionnaire survey during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (n=1523 Slovak college students). Descriptive, regression and correlation analysis were used in the analytical processing, while the analyses included students' scores in three diagnostic tools (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ 9) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)), as well as gender and income characteristics. The PSS identified an increased level of perceived stress in female students, in contrast, the AUDIT showed an increased level of alcohol use disorders in male students. Differences in mental and behavioural disorders between the gender and income categories were significant in most of the analysed cases. In terms of gender-income characteristics, it was possible to confirm a significant positive effect of the PSS score on the PHQ 9 score, as well as a significant positive effect of the PHQ 9 score on the AUDIT score. As a result, efforts to reduce stress will be reflected in a reduction of depressive disorders as well as a reduction of excessive alcohol consumption among students.

The sub-economic dynamics studies the relationship between people's economic impulses and market behavior. Using Bourbaki structuralism as a philosophical consideration and quantum chromodynamics as a conceptual and modeling method, sub-economic dynamics theory is constructed. In this theory, we discuss the deep structure of the free market and analyze the errors in Mises' anthropological arguments. Sub-economic dynamics is the psychological basis of market dynamics. Guided by the preface, this paper is divided into six sections: (1) The Free Market and Impulse Flavor Charge, including topics such as the fate of the free market, the food chain and psychology, and the flavor charge of economic impulses; (2) The Nature of Economic Impulses, including topics such as the flavor and generation of impulses and counter-impulses, and the bound state of impulses and fractional market charges; (3) Freud's Color Charge Space and Spin, including topics such as the Pauli exclusion rule and color charge, and Freud's personality theory; (4) Consciousness and Gluons; (5) Gauge Transformations and SU(3) Symmetry Group; and (6) General Discussion.

This article explores the multifaceted argument for Scottish independence, emphasizing Scotland's historical context, cultural identity, and the potential benefits of rejoining the European Union (EU). It begins with a historical overview, tracing Scotland's deep roots in independence and its eventual union with England in 1707, which, despite economic benefits, subordinated Scottish interests to those of England. The article argues that Scotland's distinct identity and ongoing desire for autonomy justify a renewed push for independence. Reuniting with Europe is presented as a key advantage, offering Scotland access to the EU's single market, financial support, and a platform for political influence. Additionally, independence would empower Scotland to harness its renewable energy resources, develop tailored economic policies, and uphold its tradition of social justice. However, the article also acknowledges the unique challenges Scotland faces, particularly in formulating citizenship policies amidst the legacy of English imperialism. Ultimately, the article posits that despite these challenges, independence offers Scotland a path to realizing its full potential as a sovereign nation committed to democracy, equality, and cooperation.

The goal of this paper is to contribute the perspective of a systems engineer to the effort to fight pandemics. The availability of low latency case data and effectiveness of social distancing suggest there is sufficient control for successful smoothing and targeting almost any desired level of low or high cases and immunity. This control proceeds from spontaneous public reaction to caseloads and news as well as government mediated recommendations and orders. We simulate multi-step and intermittent-with-feedback partial unlock of social distancing for rapidly-spreading moderate-mortality epidemics and pandemics similar to COVID-19. Optimized scenarios reduce total cases and therefore deaths typically 8% and up to 30% by controlling overshoot as groups cross the herd immunity threshold, or lower thresholds to manage medical resources and provide economic relief. We analyze overshoot and provide guidance on how to damp it. However, we find overshoot damping, whether from expert planning or natural public self-isolation, increases the likelihood of transition to an endemic disease. An SIR model is used to evaluate scenarios that are intended to function over a wide variety of parameters. The end result is not a case trajectory prediction, but a prediction of which strategies produce near-optimal results over a wide range of epidemiological and social parameters. Overshoot damping perversely increases the chance a pathogen will transition to an endemic disease, so we briefly describe the undershoot conditions that promote transition to endemic status.

Building a new-type power system is the key core of the green and low-carbon development of energy, the restructuring of the power system will inevitably have a linked impact on the coordinated development of the economy-energy-environment (3E) system. This paper constructs a "Dual-Triangle" theoretical framework consisting of the “Energy Trilemma” and the "Sustainable Development Triangle", by combining historical statistical analysis with scenario predictive analysis, analyzes the historical characteristics of the "Dual Triangle" and future development trends under different scenarios, and studies the coupled interaction relationship of the "Dual-Triangle" to explore the optimal transformation path of the power system that is most beneficial to the coordinated development of the 3E system. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The energy system gradually inclined towards economy and cleanliness from 2010 to 2022, the level of coordinated development of the 3E system fluctuated upwards, and the operation status of the "Dual Triangle" was stable. (2) Positive coupling relationship between "Dual Triangle" of scenario S1 is close, which can be regarded as the preferred path for the reconstruction of the power system. Due to phased development has clear development priorities, scenario S2 will artificially break the balance of the “Energy Trilemma”, which is a development model that dynamically mitigates the challenges of the “Energy Trilemma”.(3)The contradiction between economy and cleanliness is continuously weakened, and security has become the core contradiction of the "Impossible Triangle". The combination of renewable energy and energy storage is the key to resolving this contradiction. This paper conducts an integrated and innovative application of the "Dual-Triangle" theory, and the results provide a case basis for how to achieve the coupled interaction of the "Dual-Triangle", promote high-quality energy development, and support the sustainable development of the economy and society.

Background & Objective: Acne Vulgaris is a common skin disease, with 5 % prevalence in Pakistan and has a significant physiological, psychological, emotional and social impact on the population, our study aims to estimate its annual economic burden per person in Pakistan.Methodology: Economic burden was estimated by using Cost of Illness analysis. All types of costs, including direct medication costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs due to loss of work. Data were collected from online databases and literature reviews. Results: Cost of illness analysis estimated that the cost of Acne Vulgaris treatment varies for mild, Moderate and severe acne. Acne is causing an annual economic burden of PKR 1,92,366 PKR per person (direct cost is PKR 1,86,366 and indirect cost 6,000) for an expensive treatment and PKR 53,550 (direct cost is PKR 47550 and indirect cost 6,000) for a cheap treatment. Limitation: Being an LMIC, Pakistan needs extensive study on the pharmacoeconomic analysis of Acne for proper and rational allocation of resources. Conclusion: Acne has a significant economic burden in Pakistan. Even with significant impact of Acne, there is very minute work done about Acne in Pakistan.

Purpose: Proximal Femur Fractures (PFFs) in elder patients lead to decreased productivity. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) are non-home destinations for post-discharge disposition. This study aims to evaluate the loss of independence (LOI) following PFFs and examine the economic impact it entails. Method: Literature from various databases was collected and analyzed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria included patients age >18 years and articles published after 1990. All studies were screened and a PRISMA chart was used to demonstrate the search process. 24 studies were finally used for review. Results: LOI following PFFs significantly increases with age. Fractures in geriatrics avail a significant amount of post-care resources and had longer lengths of stay. Furthermore, six pre-operative risk factors were identified for non-home disposition including age >75, female, non-Caucasian race, Medicare status, prior depression, Charlson Comorbidity Index. Patients discharged directly to home have lower total cost compared to those discharged to rehabilitation units. Loss of independence increases with advancing age. Discussion: PFFs can lead to serious loss of independence among elderly patients with direct impact on economic, social, psychological aspects and the healthcare system.

Machine learning has become more prevalent as a tool used for biogeochemical analysis in agricultural management. However, a common drawback of machine learning models is the lack of interpretability, as they are black boxes that provide little insight into agricultural management. To overcome this limitation, we compared three tree-based models (decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting) to explain soil organic matter content through Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). Here, we used nationwide data on field crops, soil, terrain, and climate across South Korea (n = 9,584). Using the SHAP method, we identified common primary controls of the models, for example, regions with precipitation levels above 1400 mm and exchangeable potassium levels exceeding 1 cmol+ kg-1, which favor enhanced organic matter in the soil. Different models identified different impacts of nutrients on the organic matter level in the soil. The SHAP method is practical for assessing whether different machine learning models yield consistent findings in addressing these inquiries. Increasing the explainability of these models means determining essential variables related to soil organic matter management and understanding their associations for specific instances.

Agarwood, a highly valuable fragrant wood of Aquilaria spp. has been widely used in perfumes, traditional medicine, religious rites and cultural activities. Due to the presence of aromatic and medicinal properties, the Agarwood has gained its economic importance in recent years. It has been providing livelihood and employment facilities to many people who are cultivating those. Owing to high demand and profitability, the people of Assam has started to cultivate Agarwood in a commercial manner in recent days. This study was conducted to examine the economic viability of Agarwood cultivation in Assam and to understand the problems of the cultivators to consider Agarwood cultivation as the primary source of income. The primary data were collected during the months of May and June, 2022 from 210 households using structured questionnaire. The cost-benefit analysis revealed that INR 100 of initial investment yields a net benefit of INR 623 which indicates that the return from the Agarwood cultivation among the cultivators are very high. Thus, the present study argues that the government should encourage the cultivators by providing the necessary support in the form of a legalized market, credit requirement, creating the awareness about the demand of Agarwood and making provision of training.

Aims: Multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinics have been shown to be an effective therapeutic model for reducing major amputations and mortality rates. The aim of this article is to assess the economic impact of the implementation of a multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Methods: Observational cost-benefit study of all subjects with diabetes admitted with the diagnosis of a major amputation due to diabetic foot from 2010 to 2020. Direct and indirect costs were compared before and after the introduction of the multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic. Results: The individual cost per patient with diabetic foot was €14,768 before the implementation of the unit. After the implementation of the clinic, the expected cost was reduced to €5,985 due to a 40% reduction in the probability of hospitalization. Overall, the implementation of the clinic resulted in cost savings per patient valued at €8,783, of which, €7,165 are related to hospital benefits. Conclusion: The results of this analysis contributes to the evidence suggesting that multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinics are cost-effective, by demonstrating that they have a positive impact on patient health while also reducing the utilization of healthcare resources.

The sustainable metabolic engineering (SME) concept was defined by Stalidzans and Dace as an approach for the selection of most sustainable metabolic engineering designs taking the economic, environmental and social components of sustainability into account. In the centre of sustainability calculations is a genome scale metabolic model that provides full balance of all incoming and outgoing metabolic fluxes at steady state. Therefore, sustainability indicators are assigned for each exchange reaction enabling calculation of sustainability features of consumption or production of each metabolite. The further development of the SME concept depends on its implementation at the computational level to acquire applicable results – sustainable production strain designs. This study proposes for the first time a workflow and tools of SME implementation using constraint based stoichiometric modelling, genome scale metabolic models and growth coupled product synthesis approach. For SME application demonstration purposes, a relatively simple engineering task has been carried out. The most sustainable designs have been identified using Escherichia coli as chassis organism, glucose as a substrate and gene deletions as metabolic engineering tool. A growth coupled production design tool has been used to reduce the variability of sustainability. The 10 000 most sustainable designs were producing succinate as the main product with the number of deleted genes ranging from two to ten. A big number of similar designs has been identified due to the combinatorial explosion of different alternative combinations of gene deletion sets that result in interruption of the same metabolic pathways with the same impact on the metabolism.

Coastal areas are highly vulnerable to climate change hazards (e.g., sea-level rise, flooding, coastal erosion), which can lead to significant impacts at the ecosystem and societal level. Interest in Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is gaining importance due to its potential multiple benefits, including social and environmental aspects, when compared to more traditional approaches such as hard engineering interventions. When assessing EbA strategies, further understanding of the nature-society functions, processes, values, and benefits is needed to increase its application. This study contributes to a better knowledge of EbA by developing a systematic literature review of studies performing socio-economic assessments of climate change adaptation in coastal areas. The analysis of 54 publications revealed that most of the studies assessed adaptation solutions through cost-benefit analysis, followed by multi-criteria analysis, and other techniques. Hybrid adaptation strategies based on different combinations of hard, soft and EbA interventions were considered as potential optimal solutions in a significant part of the assessments. This study suggests the potential co-benefits of EbA in the form of ecosystem services, livelihood diversification or biodiversity conservation, but also stresses the need for further research on this topic, as well as on evaluating how EbA perform in the long-term under climate changing conditions scenarios.

Methods to handle uncertainty in economic evaluation have gained much attention in the literature and the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) is the most widely used method to summarize and present uncertainty associated with program costs and effects in cost-effectiveness analysis. Some researchers have emphasized the limitations of the CEAC for informing decision and policy makers as the CEAC is insensitive to radial shifts of the joint distribution of incremental costs and effects in the North-East and South-West quadrants of the cost-effective plane (CEP). Furthermore, it has been pointed out that the CEAC does not incorporate risk-aversion in valuing uncertain costs and effects. In the present article we show that the cost-effectiveness affordability curve (CEAFC) captures both dimensions of the joint distribution of incremental costs and effects on the CEP and is therefore sensitive to radial shifts of the joint distribution on the CEP. Furthermore, the CEAFC also informs about the budget impact of a new intervention as it estimates the joint probability an intervention is both affordable and cost-effective. Moreover, we show that the cost-effectiveness risk-aversion curve (CERAC) allows to incorporate risk-aversion into the analysis and can therefore be used to inform decision-makers who are risk-averse. We use data from a published cost-effectiveness model of palbociclib in addition to letrozole versus letrozole alone for the treatment of oestrogen-receptor positive, HER-2 negative, advanced breast cancer to demonstrate the differences between CEAC, CEAFC and CERAC and show how these can jointly be used to inform decision and policy makers.

Estimating the economic risks of climate shocks and climate stressors on spatially heterogeneous cities over time remain highly challenging. The purpose of this paper is to present a practical methodology to assess the economic risks of climate change in developing cities to inform spatially sensitive municipal climate response strategies. Building on a capital-based framework (CBF), spatially disaggregated baseline and future scenario scores for economic wealth and its exposure to climate change are developed for six different classes of capital and across 77 major suburbs in Cape Town, South Africa. Capital-at-risk was calculated by combining relative exposure and capital scores across different scenarios and with population impacted plotted against the major suburbs and the city’s 8 main planning districts. The economic risk assessment presented here provides a generic approach to assist investment planning and the implementation of adaptation options through an enhanced understanding of relative levels of capital endowment vis-à-vis relative levels of exposure to climate-related hazards over time. An informed climate response strategy in spatially heterogeneous cities need to include spatially sensitive estimates on capital-at-risk and populations disproportionally impacted by climate exposure over time. The economic risk assessment approach presented here helps in advancing to such a goal.

The rise of Asian and the stagnation of Western middle classes over the last thirty years have resulted in gradual convergence of income of large parts of the world’s population. Recent global crises ‐ the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic ‐ have led to a decline in income and increase in income uncertainty. Rise in consumption of lower quality goods of shorter durability and an overall decline in demand and economic activity resulted as challenges to the global economy. In this paper, we argue that generational responsibility in consumption can be an environmentally sustainable response to crises which enables the economies to overcome the crisis of confidence and reaffirms community ties. As an element of long‐term orientation in consumption, generational responsibility is a cultural phenomenon dependent on solidarity within family and the wider community. It is characterized by consideration of consequences of consumption choices on the environment, and the abundance of savings and the usability of goods to be inherited by future generations. For companies, willing to revisit their traditional business models and incorporate principles of sustainability in their competitive strategies, promotion of generational responsibility can become a new source of competitive advantage and a driver of economic recovery.

Working capital management requires a careful attention by the corporate managers because it plays an important role in corporate stability. Social belongingness of managers induced them to learn from their society, colleagues and from overall industrial movement. They also learn from their peers which have more strategical efficiency. In line with these arguments, the objective of current study is to explores the peer influence on corporate working capital management practices. To making analysis, ten-years data (2009-2018) of non-financial publicly listed firms at PSX were collected and the cash conversion cycle (CCC) uses as a proxy variable of working capital management (WCM). To estimate the regression, an econometric technique named the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was used. The empirical findings suggest the significant impact of peer WCM on corporate WCM. It also suggests the significant impact of other variables that determine the WCM. This study recommends social learning policy to corporate managers. They can learn from their peers to manage the working capital. Most previous studies discuss the peer influence on investment decisions, corporate cash holding and financing policy, etc., but no study explores such a relationship specifically in the Pakistani non-financial sector data set.

The development of dispersed urbanism in Spain ran parallel to the real estate boom and consolidated a new model of city sprawl based on the expansion of suburban areas. This process, which started in the mid 1980s, came to a halt with the onset of the economic crisis in 2007. With it, construction stopped, mobility fell and urban growth came to a standstill. The purpose of this article is to carry out an analysis of the recent evolution and chronology of the expansion of dispersed urbanism in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (BMR) in order to gain an insight into some of the explanatory factors of such expansion and to deal with the future prospects of middle-term development of dispersed urbanism in the BMR and in Spain. To do this, we examine the trends in the housing market, in residential mobility and we take stock of the impact of business cycles. The conclusion is that dispersed areas retain their appeal in the stages of creation and expansion of households. For this reason, an effective economic recovery and a renewed rise in the price of housing in denser cities may contribute to an upturn in the popularity of the dispersed residential model, which nowadays could be considered to be in a ‘lethargic’ stage, waiting for certain factors to coincide and re-activate its expansion.

Water management can improve the quality of valuable ecosystem services but can be costly to implement and the management costs are covered by national taxes collected by water users. Based on 30 valuation studies of water quality improvement from the Environmental Valuation Information System (EVIS) database provided by Korea Environment Institute (KEI), a meta-regression analysis was employed to measure the benefits that major river basins provided to the society. We compare these benefits to the costs, namely River Management Funds (RMFs) which are financial resources to support a variety of projects for managing and improving upstream water quality. Based on benefit-cost comparison, this study evaluates the efficiency of water resource management in South Korea. This study also provides policy options that are helpful to maintain the sustainability of water resource by improving the planning and performance of water management in the long run.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) impacts various aspects of patients' lives. The most reported factors affecting clinical burden are itching and psychological disturbances (e.g., depression, anxiety or even suicidal thoughts). Also, AD affects school and work-related activities, even career advancement. Thus, AD patient management and decisions regarding advanced/systemic therapy are complex, requiring consideration of multiple disease-related factors: age; disease severity; patient medical history and comorbidities; previous topical therapy use and any adverse reactions; treatment efficacy concerns; patient preferences, expectations and fears; pregnancy planning; ability and willingness to adhere to the treatment regimen; impact on intimate and social relationships and work/school performance; and treatment-related risks and any associated psychological or psychiatric issues. Current guidelines and systematic reviews support the safety and efficacy of systemic therapy (conventional, biologics, JAK inhibitors) for treating AD. When topical therapy and phototherapy are insufficient, conventional systemic therapies (cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine) are used, or advanced treatments can be introduced, like biologics and JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib), which have been approved for moderate to severe AD. Additional biologics being evaluated in clinical trials include lebrikizumab, nemolizumab, eblasakimab, and OX40/OX40L. Ultimately, there is great value in a personalized and multidisciplinary approach to AD management, as has been supported by numerous studies and clinical practice over time.

The growing demand for clean energy transitions has become increasingly significant, with solar energy emerging as one of the most prominent clean energy resources contributing to this effort. However, there remains limited knowledge regarding the economic feasibility of solar project development across different geographic locations and scales. This study introduces a comprehensive economic analysis framework to assess the economic viability of residential and utility-scale solar projects, using California, Tennessee, and Texas as case studies. The economic assessment is conducted through a cost-benefit analysis that adopts a full life-cycle approach, encompassing phases from permitting to demolition for both scales of solar projects. We found that utility-scale solar projects generally offer more favorable investment return ratios compared to residential projects, despite the absence of land acquisition costs and lower initial capital expenditures for the latter. Furthermore, the incorporation of energy storage solutions, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), is shown to be essential for improving the efficiency of residential solar energy usage, with efficiency gains of up to 50%. Finally, region-specific strategies, including net metering policies, electricity retail market structures, and the promotion of solar adoption, play a crucial role in enhancing the financial viability of solar projects for both residential and utility scales.

Parental stresses are normal responses to raising children. They are affected by stresses parents and children accumulate and bring to their interrelations. Background factors like economic difficulties or the relations between the parents may affect parental stresses as well as demographic and environmental factors like noise and access to urban parks. Most studies on parental stress are based on a verified psychological questionnaire. We suggest using frequency domain heart rate variability index (HRV) to measure parental stress enabling, by thus, the measurement of physiological aspects of stress and risk to health. Parental stress is measured as the difference between HRV accumulated at home while staying with the children and without the husband and HRV measured in the neighborhood while staying without the children and the husband. We use the index to compare differences among Muslim and Jewish mothers in exposure to maternal stress at their homes and to expose the factors that predict differences in maternal stress. We found that Muslim mothers suffer from home-related maternal stress while Jewish mother do not. Number of children and ethnically related environmental aspects predict differences in maternal stress between Muslim and Jewish mothers. Muslims' lower access to parks stems from lack of home garden and parks in their neighborhoods in the Arab towns but mainly by restrictions on Muslim women's' freedom of movement to parks. Despite differences in levels of noise at home and in the status of the mother in the household, these factors did not predict differences in parental stress. Instead, the study highlights the crucial role of greenery and freedom of movement to parks in moderating home-related maternal stress.

Accounting studies neglected to link corporate social responsibility to accounting information, the theoretical background revealed the study gap and the paper referred to it in the question: Do the corporate social responsibility CSR dimensions affect the accounting information quality? as the study aimed to reveal the effect of corporate social responsibility dimensions (economic, ethical, legal, and philanthropic) on accounting information quality (relevance and reliability) in banks in the Riyadh Governorate in Saudi Arabia. The researcher used a questionnaire to collect data from the study sample, and the data analysis was done using SPSS and smart partial least squares (pls), and its reliability and validity have been confirmed. Result revealed a positive effect of CSR (economic, ethical) dimension on the relevance of accounting information, a negative effect of CSR Legal dimension on the relevance of accounting information, and no effect of CSR philanthropic dimension on the relevance of accounting information, a positive effect of CSR (ethical, philanthropic) dimension on the reliability of accounting information and no effect of CSR economic and legal dimension on the reliability of accounting information.

In recent years, the Canadian dairy sector has faced escalating challenges due to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This paper critically examines a spectrum of innovative techniques aimed at mitigating methane emissions within this sector, scrutinizing their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, compatibility with animal welfare standards, and adherence to both existing and prospective Canadian environmental legislations. The discourse commences with an exhaustive overview of contemporary methane reduction methodologies pertinent to dairy farming, followed by a rigorous analysis of their economic feasibility. This includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, juxtaposed with the efficiency and technological advancements these techniques embody. A pivotal aspect of this examination is the alignment of animal welfare with emission reduction objectives, ensuring that strategies employed do not compromise the health and well-being of dairy cattle. Furthermore, the paper delves into the legislative landscape of Canada, evaluating the congruence of these techniques with current environmental laws and anticipating future regulatory shifts. Performance indicators for emission reduction are critically assessed, establishing benchmarks tailored to the Canadian context. This is complemented by an exploration of the market potential of these innovations, including factors influencing their adoption and scalability in the market. The analysis culminates with a synthesis of case studies and best practices within Canada, offering insights into successful implementations and drawing lessons for future endeavors. This comprehensive approach serves not only to address the immediate environmental and health impacts associated with dairy farming emissions but also contributes significantly to the overarching goal of sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

To remain relevant in the green transition, companies are beginning to voluntarily account for the exchange of emissions in their supply chain transactions and using the resulting greenhouse gas inventories for climate resilient decision support. Market advantages of sustainability and transparency see a shift from internal decision support tools to external communication tools which potentially expose companies to the risk of uncovering greenwashing if claims are not supported by transparent data, sound modelling, and a climate just emissions inventory, which considers external impacts connected to the production system. The different methods and standards in place for such greenhouse gas inventories, despite all referring to the ISO life cycle analysis standards and guidelines, present mixed signals and leave room for different interpretations, that may ultimately lead to cascading greenwashing, misleading results, and false successes. The new GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance draft addresses this in part. With the GHG Protocol moving into revision periods, we identify gaps that present barriers to companies, or allow for interpretations that goes against the intentions of reporting GHG emissions related to an activity or organisation. The literature agrees that not rectifying these subtle-ties present counterproductive decision support for the green transition’s overall goal: to reduce global emissions.

This review article aims at improving understanding of the theoretical discussion on technonationalism. Reviewing conventional works of the literature proposes protectionist, innovationist, and strategic industrial approaches toward high-tech industries. The findings show that technonationalism is a concept linking technology and national security, seeking geoeconomic interests in the integrated global market to exert state power for economic statecraft. The nature of industry highly relies on the global value chain, and technological innovation in the high-tech sectors occurs mainly in the private sector; thus, this article points out the issue of embracing business interests into the state’s strategic addenda as a critical criterion of technonationalism. Also, technonationalism is a narrowly defined concept with state actors involved in national security affairs and high-tech business actors.

Background: A large percentage of deaths in an epidemic or pandemic can be due to overshoot of population (herd) immunity, either from the initial peak or from planned or unplanned exit from lockdown or social distancing conditions. Objectives: We study partial unlock or reopening interaction with seasonal effects in a managed epidemic to quantify overshoot effects on small and large unlock steps and discover robust strategies for reducing overshoot. Methods: We simulate partial unlock of social distancing for epidemics over a range of replication factor, immunity duration and seasonality factor for strategies targeting immunity thresholds using overshoot optimization. Results: Seasonality change must be taken into account as one of the steps in an easing sequence, and a two step unlock, including seasonal effects, minimizes overshoot and deaths. It may cause undershoot, which causes rebounds and assists survival of the pathogen. Conclusions: Partial easing levels, even low levels for economic relief while waiting on a vaccine, have population immunity thresholds based on the reduced replication rates and may experience overshoot as well. We further find a two step strategy remains highly sensitive to variations in case ratio, replication factor, seasonality and timing. We demonstrate a three or more step strategy is more robust, and conclude that the best possible approach minimizes deaths under a range of likely actual conditions which include public response.

Background: The epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19 has cast into sharp relief the delicate balance between public health priorities and the economy, with businesses obliged to toe a line between employee health and continued production. In an effort to detect as many cases as possible, isolate contacts, cut transmission chains and limit the spread of the virus in the workplace, mass testing strategies have been implemented in both public health and industrial contexts to minimize the risk of disruption in activity. Objective: To evaluate the economic impact of mass workplace testing strategy as carried out by a large automotive company in Catalonia in terms of health and healthcare resource savings. Methodology: Analysis of health costs and impacts based on the estimation of mortality and morbidity avoided because of screening and the resulting savings in healthcare costs. Results: The economic impact of the mass workplace testing strategies (using both PCR and RAT tests) was approximately €10.44 per test performed or €5,575.49 per positive detected. 38% of this figure corresponds to savings derived from better use of health resources (hospital beds, ICU beds and follow-up of infected cases), while the remaining 62% corresponds to improved health rates due to avoided morbidity and mortality. In scenarios with higher positivity rates and a greater impact of the infection on health and the use of health resources, these results could be up to ten times higher (€130.24 per test performed or €69,565.59 per positive detected). Conclusion: In the context of COVID-19, preventive actions carried out by the private sector to safeguard industrial production also have concomitant public benefits in the form of savings in healthcare costs. Thus, governmental bodies need to recognize the value of implementing such strategies in private settings and facilitate them through, for example, subsidies.

Xyleborus beetles, a diverse group of ambrosia beetles, present significant challenges to forestry and agriculture due to their damaging burrowing behavior and symbiotic relationships with fungi. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of Xyleborus. We explore the beetles' life cycle, reproductive strategies, habitat preferences, and feeding habits, emphasizing their ecological and economic impacts. Control and management strategies, including preventive measures, chemical and biological control, and integrated pest management (IPM), are critically evaluated. Recent advances in molecular genetics and behavioral studies offer insights into genetic diversity, population structure, and host selection mechanisms. Despite progress, managing Xyleborus effectively remains challenging. This review identifies future research needs and highlights innovative control methods, such as biopesticides and pheromone-based trapping systems.

Cement industry is one of the highest energy consuming industries. The quantity of fuel and energy needed accounts for most of the cost of cement manufacturing. Thermal power plants generate electricity but are harmful and ineffective by nature. As a backup mechanism to account for main grid failures, batteries can be utilized. In this paper the first ever investigation on battery’s depth of discharge (DOD) for four different kinds of battery technologies is carried out in the framework of cement industry. The intended battery technologies are the lead-acid battery (LA), lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), vana-dium redox battery (VR), and nickel–iron battery (Ni-Fe). Four hybrid energy generation models (HEGMs) for five cement plants of Pakistan using the HOMER pro software are proposed. Cement plants includes Askari Cement Plant, Wah (ACPW); Bestway Cement Plant, Kalar Kahar (BCPKK); Bestway Cement Plant, Farooqia (BCPF); Bestway Cement Plant, Hattar (BCPH); and DG Cement Plant, Chakwal (DGCPC). HEGM-1 comprises of a diesel generator (DGen), a photovoltaic system (PV), a converter, and a battery system. HEGM-2 comprises of a PV system, a converter, and a battery system. HEGM-3 is the grid-connected version of HEGM-1 and HEGM-4 is the grid-connected version of HEGM-2. A base-model consisting of grid only is used as a reference. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is performed by formulating a cumulative objective function (COF) which includes net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The principal objective is the maximization of COF while simultaneously minimizing the objectives (NPC, LCOE and GHG emissions), based on optimal battery technology and DOD. The results reveal that VR is the most suitable battery technology with 10% DOD. It is achieved for DGCPC with HEGM-3 with 61.49% of NPC, 78.62% of LCOE and 84.00% of GHG emissions reduction as com-pared to the base model.

Excess associated gas from unconventional wells is typically flared while excess produced water is injected underground. In this work, flare gas recovery is integrated with produced water desalination and a solar pre-heater. The solar module with a beam splitter preheats the produced water. Aspen Plus was used to perform process modeling as well as to estimate capital and operating costs. The Solar-Flare Gas RDcovery- desalination (Solar-FGRD) process can conserve water resources and reduce the brine injection by 77%. The accompanying solar farm results in excess solar electricity for exporting to the grid. The process burner combustion efficiency (CE) is 99.8% with the destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of 99.99% for methane as opposed to the flare CE of 80-98% (and a methane DRE of 91-98%). The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for CO2 and methane in terms of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) can be reduced by 45 % for US North Dakota & Texas flaring and 13% for North Sea flaring by employing the Solar- FGRD process. The comprehensive financial analysis demonstrates the financial-economic feasibility of the investment project with or without tax credits. Best-case and worst-case scenarios provide a realistic range that investors can consider before making investment decisions.

Background: The present work aimed to estimate the economic impact of PTSD following COVID-19 in a population of patients affected by systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) using a cost-of-illness approach and accounting for the perspective of society. Methods: Considering data collected from SAD patients enrolled in a specialized outpatient clinic in the Tuscany region, Italy, generalized-linear-models and LASSO logistic regression were used to evaluate the impact of PTSD on costs and its relevance as possible predictors of being a high-cost patient, respectively. Results: Considering 301 SAD patients, 161 (51.2%) of whom diagnosed with PTSD, the overall costs were 3,670 [890;40,529] Euro per patient/year among patients with PTSD and 2,736.7 [283;21,078] Euro per patient/year among those without PTSD (P-value<0.001), with differences mainly attributable to significantly greater direct non-healthcare and indirect costs. PTSD was estimated to increase overall costs (β=0.296 (0.140), P-value=0.035), direct non-healthcare (β =1.193 (0.392), P-value =0.002) and indirect costs (β =3.741 (1.136), P-value =0.001). PTSD diagnosis was also significantly associated with the likelihood of being a high-cost patient. Conclusions: Findings from the present study offer a novel perspective on the economic impact of COVID-19 and provide valuable data for policymakers to better understand demand for healthcare services and associated costs.

In Japan, where the working population is declining, there is a growing expectation that the potential working population will play an active role, and in this context, administrative measures such as the promotion of women's activities have been implemented. However, there is no end to the number of women who leave the workforce after life events such as childbirth or child rearing.　For example, in Fukuoka Prefecture (population 5.1 million) alone, where we are based, it is estimated that there are 43,300 potential female workers. Many of these women have have been employed in the past, but have left the workforce due to childbirth, family care, or other reasons, and still wish to work. However, although this group has potential employment needs, they have not yet engaged in specific job-hunting activities, and thus are on the periphery of the labor market, without access to the current active labor market. There are many promising potential employees there, and support for their career redevelopment and participation in the labor market is required. On the other hand, few studies have been conducted in Japanese prefectures to systematically estimate social value, i.e., to determine the scope of impact on society and the stakeholders. This is an obstacle to the formulation of policies for women's advancement and the establishment of related social projects. This paper is aware of this problem and, based on the support for women seeking to re-enter society (career redevelopment) that the authors are implementing, selects seven prefectures in Kyushu, which is also a wide economic zone, as a support area and estimates the social value to companies and families in these areas by using SROI. As a result, it was derived that if 3,586 individuals were reemployed, the SROI ratio (1:X) X would be 76.1 in the first year of reintegration assistance activities and X would be 313.3 in the fourth year.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on brand image in the apparel industry in Jordan, using the moderating variable of customer consciousness. The current research uses a quantitative, descriptive, cause-effect, and cross-sectional approach, and also it uses a convenience sampling method. Data was collected from 440 respondents. Results indicate that Jordanian Apparel organizations have medium to highly implementing of all items and constructs of CSR, brand image items, and consciousness items. Moreover, there is a strong relationship between CSR dimensions, a medium relationship be-tween each CSR dimension and brand image, a medium relationship between each CSR dimension and consciousness, a medium relationship between total CSR and brand image, a medium relationship between total CSR and consciousness, and the medium relationship between brand image and consciousness. Results of the first model show that total CSR affects the brand image. Where social responsibility has the highest positive effect, followed by ethical responsibility, then economic responsibility, however, environmental responsibility negatively affects the brand image. The second model shows consciousness moderates the effect of CSR on the brand image. The study recommends longitudinal research on the Jordanian Apparel industry, especially to test the effect of environmental responsibility on the brand image. Moreover, the re-search uses customers’ consciousness as a moderating variable, which improves the effect of CSR on brand image. The Apparel industry organizations in Jordan should revise their daily practices particularly environmental responsibility and/or increase their customers’ awareness of their practices. Finally, the current research contributes to existing studies by using consciousness as a moderating variable.

This paper argues that the neoliberal consensus about education finance has broken down due to growing economic inequality. First, I use a comparative historical analysis of political alliances to examine patterns of world trade and nations’ policies for economic and educational development since World War II. The United States emphasized STEM-collegiate preparation for all students, while most countries continued the dual emphasis on technical-tertiary and higher education. Educational policy in the US and Pacific region also shifted to reliance on markets and student loans resulting in worsening economic inequality in access. Nations with dual technical and academic pathways in secondary and postsecondary education systems expand college enrollment rates more rapidly than the US. They also experience class conflict between the working-middle class and the new technology elite. Next, I examine how education policy shifted from national planning aligned with public funding to market-based incentives for institutional development, further exposing gaps in opportunity within nations. Finally, recognizing the variations in systemic causes of inequality, I argue that governments, education agencies, and civic activists can best promote equity by organizing to address barriers to opportunity for groups left behind in the wake of withering neoliberal education policy.

The epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of applying non-pharmacological measures. Among these, mass screening of the asymptomatic general population has been established as a priority strategy by carrying out diagnostic tests to limit the spread of the virus. In this article, we aim to evaluate the economic impact of mass COVID-19 screenings of an asymptomatic population through a Cost-Benefit Analysis based on the estimated total costs of mass screening versus health gains and associated health costs avoided. Excluding the value of monetized health, the Benefit-Cost ratio was estimated at approximately 0.45. However, if monetized health is included in the calculation, the ratio is close to 1.20. The monetization of health is the critical element that tips the scales in favour of the desirability of screening. Screenings with the highest return are those that maximize the percentage of positives detected.

Covid-19 pandemic lockdown has slow down the world economic system. The pandemic has cleared the roads, close factories and grounded planes causing severe economic challenges. The damaging impact of the pandemic amid lockdown has been a blessing in guise for the environment because of significant drop in pollution level as transport and industrial sectors shutdown. Transport and industrial sectors are major contributors to environmental degradation through various emissions as a result of fossil fuel consumption. Energy consumed by transport and industrial sectors will have to shift to viable, readily available, economically and environmentally friendly with no carbon build up post Covid-19 pandemic. Hydrogen energy remains the best alternative option technologies containing green house gas emission and pollutions of several forms. Hydrogen holds the potential to provide a clean, reliable, renewable and economical source of energy for meeting the growing and unending global energy needs post pandemic. The present paper explores the economic feasibility and potential of hydrogen to serve as a competitive fuel option post pandemic. In this paper, the role of hydrogen as an energy carrier hydrogen economy structure, potential of hydrogen economy, hydrogen production methods, hydrogen application and the economic and environmental importance of hydrogen as a viable fuel option post covid-19 pandemic were discussed. There will be a surge in demand and investment for hydrogen economy post Covid-19.

The imperfection of theoretical and methodological approaches to regulate the jump process transition when combining differentiated energy resources is a pressing issue. The goal of this paper is to develop a theory and a method to regulate the integration-balancing processes of combining diversified resources. The concept of combining integration and balancing models has been substantiated by methods of transforming multidimensional space and approximating generalized functions that represent jump-like processes. Theoretical and operational-regulatory models of economic sustainability have been developed, substantiating new concepts, patterns, properties, dependencies and indicators of the dynamics of the processes of combination; the optimality conditions for the number of approximations of generalized functions, interpreting the effects of control functions of combining resources, are determined. New methods for solving problems have been developed: the organization of the energy technology complex of facilities for enhanced resource diversification and the Center for Sustainability, improving the quality of managing dynamic processes in terms of combining and diversifying resources.

Talking about sustainable development refers mainly to the environmental sphere, but the concept is much broader and also takes into account the social and economic conditions. The concept of sustainability, in this sense, is linked to the compatibility between the development of economic activities, the related social phenomena, and the protection of the environment. Therefore, the ability to balance social, economic and environmental sustainability is the very meaning of the concept of sustainable development. Firms that choose to develop policies and strategies to enhance and pursue sustainable development in the medium to long term have the burden of having to quantitatively document the improvements in production processes with the aim of sustainable development. As a result, one of the biggest challenges for European industry is to introduce sustainability principles into business models leading to competitive advantage. This is particularly important in raw material and energy intensive manufacturing sectors such as the ceramic industry. The present state of knowledge lacks a comprehensive operational tool for industry to support decision-making processes geared towards sustainability. In the ceramic sector, the economic and social dimensions of the product and processes have not yet been given sufficient importance. Moreover, the traditional research on industrial districts lacks an analysis of the relations between firms and the territory with a view to sustainability. Finally, the attention of scholars in the field of economic and social sustainability, has not yet turned to the analysis of the Sassuolo district. Therefore, in this paper we introduce the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), as a method that can be a suitable tool to fill this gap, because through a mathematical model it is possible to obtain the information useful for decision makers to integrate the principles of sustainability both at the microeconomic level in enterprises, and at the meso-economic level for the definition of economic policies and territorial governance. Environmental and socio-economic analysis was performed from the extraction of raw materials to the packaging of the product on different product categories manufactured by the Italian ceramic industries of the Sassuolo district (northern Italy). For the first time the LCSA model, usually applied to unitary processes, is extended to the economic and industrial activities of the entire district, extending the prospect of investigation from the enterprise and its value chain to the integrated network of district enterprises.

In the following article, it is presented an investigation of the determinants of Beds for High-Care Specialties-BHCS in the Italian regions in the context of Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG approach. Data from ISTAT-BES for 20 countries in the period 2004-2021 are been used. Different econometric techniques have been applied i.e.: Pooled Ordinary Least Squares, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Dynamic Panel at 1 stage. Furthermore, a cluster analysis performed with a k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient indicated the presence of three clusters. Finally, eight different machine-learning algorithms are analysed to predict the future value of BHCS. The results show that the Artificial Neural Network-ANN algorithm is the best algorithm. The future value of BHSC is expected to growth on average of 4.88% for the analysed regions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reshaped global power dynamics, impacting economies, political landscapes, international relations, and technological advancements. Historically, pandemics have acted as catalysts for social and economic transformations, and COVID-19 has followed this pattern by intensifying existing trends and creating new opportunities for power shifts. Economically, the pandemic led to unprecedented disruptions, with East Asian countries demonstrating greater resilience and adaptability compared to Western economies. This has resulted in notable economic power shifts, particularly benefiting China, which experienced a swift recovery. Politically, the pandemic exacerbated geopolitical tensions, notably between the United States and China, while also fostering new forms of international cooperation, such as vaccine diplomacy and multilateral health initiatives. Technologically, the pandemic accelerated digital transformation and innovation in biotechnology, with significant advancements in healthcare systems. Socially, it exposed and exacerbated inequalities, prompting discussions on social justice and healthcare reforms. Environmentally, short-term improvements were observed, but the need for sustainable development and green recovery strategies became evident. This article examines these shifts, highlighting the interconnectedness of global challenges and the necessity for coordinated, multilateral responses to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

The qualitative research on the influence of supply chain risk management (SCRM) on marketing strategies during economic uncertainty explores the complex interplay between these two critical areas. Conducted through in-depth interviews with industry professionals across various sectors, the study examines how organizations manage supply chain risks and adapt their marketing strategies in response to challenges such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, economic downturns, and pandemics. The findings reveal that these risks significantly impact marketing efforts by causing supply shortages, delays, increased costs, and demand fluctuations, necessitating rapid adjustments in promotional activities, pricing strategies, and communication with customers. Key strategies for integrating SCRM with marketing include leveraging technology for real-time supply chain monitoring, building strong supplier relationships, diversifying supply sources, and enhancing communication and collaboration between supply chain and marketing teams. These practices enable organizations to enhance their resilience and responsiveness, ensuring that marketing strategies are aligned with the evolving realities of the supply chain. The study also identifies challenges such as organizational silos, lack of cross-functional collaboration, resistance to change, and limited technological capabilities, which can hinder effective integration. Addressing these barriers through fostering collaboration, investing in technology, and promoting change management is essential for achieving successful integration. The outcomes of this integration include improved supply chain resilience, enhanced customer satisfaction, increased marketing agility, and a stronger competitive position. The research underscores the importance of a holistic and adaptive approach to integrating SCRM with marketing strategies, providing valuable insights for organizations seeking to navigate economic uncertainty and sustain their growth in a rapidly changing environment.

The global transport sector of the world economy contributes about 15% of the Greenhouse Gas (GHGs) emissions in the world today. The University of Saskatchewan has pursued the green energy transition over the years. They have spearheaded diverse sustainability projects and agendas, due to the importance of curbing climate change and advancing sustainability. The transport system in the university campus is one area of focus where the Sustainability Office plans to introduce some innovations, as a way of curbing GHG emissions while also advancing sustainability practice in the university campus. The study carried out an economic benefit analysis on the campus fleet (consisting of 91 ICE vehicles) to determine if it is economically or financially feasible to transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) or PVs (Petrol Vehicles) to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The analysis used RETScreen Expert software for analyzing renewable energy technology projects. The variables of Payback Period (PBP), cash flow projections, savings made from transitioning (fuel cost savings and energy cost savings), Benefit-Cost-ratio, GHG emission reduction potential, etc. were analyzed. The findings revealed that the GHG emission from the campus fleet will be reduced by 100% (this will result in the removal of about 298.1 tCO₂ from the environment). Also, the fleet manager will save approximately $129,049 (88.9%) in fuel costs. Apart from these, the return on investment will be achieved in year 5 (all things being equal), but can be reduced to year 2 if the vehicles are put into constant and active use (eliminating most idle times. Also, the Sustainability Office will be making a GHG reduction revenue of $14,906.

The following article presents an analysis of the impact of the Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG determinants on Hospital Emigration to Another Region-HEAR in the Italian regions in the period 2004-2021. The data are analysed using Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Pooled Ordinary Least Squares-OLS, Weighted Least Squares-WLS, and Dynamic Panel at 1 Stage. Results show that HEAR is negatively associated to E, positively to S and negatively associated to the G within the ESG model. The data were subjected to clustering with a k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette coefficient. The optimal clustering with k=2 is compared to the sub-optimal cluster with k=3. The results suggest a negative relationship between the resident population and hospital emigration at regional level. Finally, a prediction is proposed with machine learning algorithms classified based on statistical performance. The results show that the Artificial Neural Network-ANN algorithm is the best predictor. The ANN predictions are critically analyzed in light of health economic policy directions.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), locally known as Khaliji, is a group of six Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern in the GCC region, but the research that synthesized the trend has received scant attention. The present narrative review examines existing research on the prevalence and frequency of IPV among Khaliji women in GCC nations. This review synthesized studies on physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviors perpetrated by an intimate partner. The prevalence rates of IPV among Khaliji women are observed to be high: women reported facing different types of abuse from their partners, namely physical (7% - 71%), sexual (3.7% - 81%), financial (21.3% - 26%) and psychological (7.5% - 89%), which is a culmination of controlling behavior (36.8%), emotional (22% - 69%) and social violence (34%). The extant studies in the GCC suggest that the most endorsed IPV was psychological abuse (89%) followed by sexual violence (81%). Qualitative content analysis of the associated factors resulted in four meaningful descriptors such as demographics of the victim, sociocultural factors, socioeconomic, and perpetrator-related issues. The study on IPV is still nascent and few. The way forward will require developing culturally appropriate interventions that address unique risk factors for IPV among Khaliji populations, strengthening institutional responses, and increasing awareness and social support for the victim of IPV.

The cement industry is a significant contributor (around 8 %) to CO2 global emissions. About 60 % of emissions come from limestone calcination, essential for clinker production, while 40 % result from fuel combustion. Reducing these emissions is challenging due to limestone’s role as the primary raw material for cement. Cement plants are required to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals. One strategy to achieve this goal, involves Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). Among the options for CO2 utilisation, the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) strategy offers a means to mitigate CO2 emissions. In PtL, CO2 captured from cement industrial flue gas is combined with hydrogen generated by renewable electrolysis (green hydrogen) and catalytically converted into renewable methanol (e-MeOH). In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide existing pilot and demonstration units, and projects funded by EU across several industries. It specifically focuses on PtL technology worldwide within cement plants. This work covers 18 locations worldwide, detailing technology existent at plants of different capacities, location, and project partners. Finally, the review analyses techno-economic assessments related to e-MeOH production processes, highlighting the potential impact on achieving carbon neutrality in the cement industry.

This study investigates the optimal energy mix for industrial complexes by integrating renewable energy systems, decarbonization strategies, and sector coupling technologies, using actual load data from the Balan Industrial Complex in Korea. Five different energy scenarios were analyzed, ranging from a conventional base case (Scenario 1) to progressively more advanced configurations incorporating renewable sources (Scenarios 2 to 5). The findings reveal that Scenario 5, which combines sector coupling, hydrogen-based systems, and decarbonization technologies, is the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, achieving the lowest Net Present Cost (NPC) and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. To enhance the study’s relevance, electricity prices and CO2 emission costs from Korea, the United States, and Germany were considered, revealing that regional electricity tariffs and carbon pricing mechanisms greatly influence the economic feasibility of the proposed energy systems. Despite the higher initial investment for renewable-based setups, Scenario 5 proved to be the most economically viable over the long term when factoring in operational costs and emission penalties, underlining the potential for renewable integration to achieve both cost savings and environmental benefits. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders aiming to adopt sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions, highlighting the necessity of tailored strategies to optimize energy systems for industrial applications. This research thus offers a meaningful contribution to the field of sustainable energy transitions, suggesting that sector coupling and renewable integration hold significant promise for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems in diverse industrial areas.

This qualitative research explores the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on supply chain sustainability within the renewable energy sector. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, key themes and patterns are identified, shedding light on the complex dynamics and interrelationships inherent in CSR practices and their impact on supply chain sustainability. The findings highlight the critical role of CSR in driving environmental sustainability, social equity, economic viability, governance mechanisms, and technological innovation across renewable energy supply chains. Environmental sustainability emerges as a priority, with CSR initiatives focusing on reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy technologies, and adopting sustainable sourcing strategies. Social equity is emphasized through stakeholder consultation, transparent decision-making, and investments in community development. Economic viability is addressed through considerations of brand reputation, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. Governance mechanisms and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in shaping CSR practices, with collaborative partnerships and policy advocacy driving industry-wide change. Technological innovation, particularly the integration of blockchain, IoT, and AI, enhances transparency, traceability, and accountability in supply chains. The study concludes by discussing theoretical implications, practical insights, limitations, and avenues for future research, highlighting the importance of CSR in promoting sustainable development in the renewable energy sector.

In the last decades, climate and environmental changes have highlighted the fragility and vulnerability of the landscape, especially in mountain areas where the effects are most severe. The strategy for hazard mitigation must deploy synergistic actions based on a thorough knowledge of the territory and its phenomena to enable integrated and effective land planning and management through suitable communication tools. This study promotes the methodological setup of a Landscape Digital Twin to establish a multi-disciplinary and multi-scalar hazards overview according to a matrix framework implementable over time and space. The original contribution to the research addresses a holistic vision that combines meaningfully qualitative with quantitative approaches to generate risk maps by integrating various indicators within a multi-hazard framework from the socio-economic perspective. This contribution presents road network risk analysis by exploiting flooding and landslide scenarios. The critical road segments or nodes most vulnerable or impacted by network performance and accessibility can be identified with minimal preprocessing from credible open-source sources. The method's applicability is tested in a Piedmont Region, northern Italy case study. The integration proposed will help generate comprehensive risk analysis maps that effectively portray the interconnectedness among natural hazards, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors fostering more resilient decision-making processes.

Background: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters is growing due to their potential benefits. These devices can increase patient safety and satisfaction while reducing the use of resources. As a result, many hospitals are establishing vascular access specialist teams staffed by nurses who are trained in the insertion and maintenance of these catheters. Objective: Evaluate ex-ante whether the benefits of replacing peripheral venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters with ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters by a vascular access specialist team outweigh their costs. Methods: Cost-benefit analysis from the perspective of the healthcare provider based on administrative data. The study estimates the reduction in resources used when replacing peripherally inserted central catheters, midline catheters and peripheral venous catheters with ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheters and midlines, as well as the additional resources required for their use. Results: Each ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheter replacing a peripherally inserted central catheter, results in a measurable resource reduction of approximately €31. When 3 peripheral venous catheters are replaced by an ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheter, the saving is €63. Similarly, each ultrasound-guided midline catheter replacing a midline, results in a reduction of €16, while each ultrasound-guided midline catheter replacing 3 peripheral venous catheters results in a reduction of €96. Conclusion: The benefits of replacing peripheral venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters by introducing a vascular access specialist team trained in the implantation of ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters, outweigh its cost mainly because of the decrease in hospital stay due to the lowered risk of healthcare-associated infections. These results motivate the implementation of the service, adding to previous experience suggesting that it is also preferable from the point of view of patient safety and satisfaction.

The main goal of the review is to provide a summary and an assessment of the potential of fast-growing tree species for suitable transformation of agroforestry areas for biomass production in the Baltic Sea region. The article summarizes the research on the management process of agroforestry zones by establishing short rotation plantations with tree species Salix spp., Populus spp., Alnus spp. and looks at the perspectives of planning of these zones as biomass producers. Short rotation forestry (SRF) with a combination of species and a rotation time of 15 to 30 years, depending on the species used, is the most suitable approach for management of these agroforestry zones. Willows (Salix spp.) and poplars (Populus spp.) are suitable for short rotation coppice (SRC), as these tree species can be harvested at much shorter intervals, respectively, 1–5 and 4–10 years, facilitating their use in agricultural systems. In Alnus spp. short rotation plantation the life cycle for energy wood production is assumed to be 15-30 years. The black alder plantations in agroforestry zones are used for sawnwood and firewood production, with a rotation span of 20–40 years. Calculated economic agroforestry zone repayment period is about 10-15 years, if costs and prices as in 2021 are used.

This article explores the question of the rate of digital progress in the context of the labor market. Specific features of the current situation are indicated: temporality of socio-technological transformations, which is becoming less and less compatible with the harmonious development of man and society; the pace at which machines acquire intelligence; total devaluation of mental labor; unresolved issue of the role of man in the world of intelligent machines; the criticality of the problem of the labor market, due to its global nature, social significance and the rate of socio-technological changes. It is emphasized that these circumstances in the short term threaten the sustainable development of the global society, whose reactions to the transformation of technological and socio-economic infrastructure are significantly lagging behind. It is concluded that there is an urgent need to strengthen social responsibility, determined by the new ethics of relations between humans and machines with AI, supplemented by the primacy of the dignity of the social role of humans. The authors point out the urgent need to revise ideas about work as the main purpose of a person and about realization in the profession as the main factor that determines the self-esteem of an individual and his social status.

The In this paper, a universal method has been developed, which is a combination of an optimization method and a method for assessing the marginal utility. At present, the problem of optimal load distribution in the power system between a hydropower plant (HPP) and thermal power plants (TPP) is solved using the equality of the differential incremental rate characteristics of fuel consumption at TPP and water consumption at HPP by the Lagrangian multiplier method. In this case, the number of iterations can be five or more. The proposed approach is based, first of all, on the correct representation of the differential characteristics and calculation of a hydro resource price for the operational control of the HPP. Based on the comparison of water volume at a HPP and fuel amount at combined heat and power plants (CHPP) used for generation of 1 kW power, it is possible to determine a water price for a HPP. As a result of implementing the developed method for the HPP, a price of sold electricity in the flexible energy market will be comparable with the price for sold electricity produced at CHPPs, being equal to approximately 120 rubles/MW∙h.